The government intends to transform the National Youth Service (NYS) into a premier institution to spearhead the reconstruction of the country's infrastructure, Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka said Wednesday.

Mr. Musyoka said through support of development partners NYS will soon form three major construction squadrons to engage in road, dams, water irrigation canals and airfields construction throughout the country.

He added  that the discussions initiated between the Kenya and the Chinese governments for the financing of a comprehensive modernization programme for NYS is at an advanced stage, adding that within a couple of months the institution will receive an assortment of modern equipment.

Mr. Musyoka said the two countries initiative involves the purchase of new equipment for training, farming and construction programmes

The Vice President was speaking in a colorful ceremony of the National Youth Service Recruits Passing Out Parade at the NYS College in Gilgil, Naivasha which was attended by thousands of parents and relatives of the graduands.

During the occasion 3,575 recruits graduated from the college among them 820 servicewomen, 2755 servicemen and 1124 were orphans and destitute.

Mr. Musyoka also announced that the government will give priority to the NYS servicemen and women during recruitment by other disciplined services such as the military, police, administration police, prisons and other government departments.

He said the 3505 National Youth Service, service men and women who were recently recruited into the administration police force are due for graduation.

The Vice President noted in recognition of the cardinal role played by NYS in national development programmes, the government has contracted NYS to construct the 76km stretch of the Garissa-Malindi road which links Hola with Garsen.

Mr. Musyoka urged government departments to fully utilize the Institution in the construction of roads, airstrips, water canals, disaster management and other relief operations.

He said NYS is an important national resource for the country's national development hence the need to be accorded a chance to play their role in building a cohesive Kenyan nation.

The Vice President noted that the skills developed by the Institution for many years should be harnessed through preferential treatment as a contractor in the implementation of development projects.

Mr. Musyoka said since the NYS inception in 1964, the service has enabled Kenyans to serve the country with great sense of patriotism, putting the interest of serving the nation ahead of personal interests.

He observed the unique role of the service remains one of developing the character of the young people and providing them with technical skills to contribute to their personal and national development.

Mr. Musyoka said the government has revived and equipped youth polytechnics and expanded NYS training institutions to enable the youth receive training and equip them with skills that will make them self reliant.

"Government is committed to the development and empowerment of the youth as it believes in the great potential that lies within them and will continue to invest all necessary efforts and resources to realize this potential", he said.

He urged NYS to engage closely with the Youth Fund to ensure that all service men and women are educated on how they can access the funds.

The Minister for Youth and Sports, Prof. Hellen Sambili said NYS has doubled its recruitment this year and the new recruits will be reporting early next month for training.

She noted that NYS has undertaken many projects in the country, citing the tarmacking of Thika-Mwingi and Garissa-Hola and the gravelling of Isiolo - Moyale among others.

The Minister added that Kshs. 1.8billion has been set aside for the construction of 76Km Garissa - Malindi road to be constructed by NYS.

Prof. Sambili also added that NYS was currently installing security fence of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.

Present were Assistant Minister, Kabando wa Kabando, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Kinuthia Murugu, the Director NYS, Japheth Mwania and the College Commandant Edward Osore among other service commanders and dignitaries.