The government has lauded the National Youth Service (NYS) for advancing three key pillars of national development, food security, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability, through its skills training and programs that align with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Speaking during the commissioning of a state-of-the-art bakery at the NYS Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil, Public Service Principal Secretary Dr. Jane Imbunya emphasized that NYS is at the heart of equipping the youth with transformative skills.
The bakery, with a production capacity of 4,752 loaves of 400 grams daily, will not only enhance food security within NYS institutions but also provide practical training to recruits in food production and entrepreneurship.
“When you equip the youth with the right skills, you are investing in a generation that will secure Kenya’s food systems, grow our economy, and safeguard the environment,” said Dr. Imbunya.
She added that NYS programs are being re-engineered to respond to both Kenya’s development priorities and global frameworks.
“The re-engineering of NYS programs is fully aligned with Vision 2030, the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, and global development frameworks such as the SDGs and Agenda 2063,” she noted.
Dr. Imbunya commended NYS leadership, partners, and stakeholders for steering the Service toward transformative programs that equip young people with technical competencies, nurture entrepreneurship, and expand opportunities for income generation.
“This bakery is a clear demonstration of how skills training can translate into practical solutions for food security and income generation,” she said.
NYS Commandant General James Tembur stressed that recruit training remains the foundation of all programs offered at NYS institutions.
“Recruit training remains the foundation of the Service—it instills discipline, patriotism, and resilience, which are critical to every program we run,” he explained.
He noted that NYS is undergoing a transformative agenda aimed at modernizing its courses to meet current labour market demands.
“We are re-engineering our courses to ensure our graduates leave NYS with skills that are not only relevant but highly competitive in today’s job market,” said Tembur.
Currently, NYS offers a wide range of vocational training programs including plumbing, electrical installation, masonry, and advanced building technologies.
At the School of Catering, recruits pursue diplomas in food and beverage production, catering, accommodation, and housekeeping skills designed to address gaps in the labour market while promoting self-reliance and economic empowerment.
“From vocational trades to advanced catering and hospitality, our training programs are designed to bridge the skills gap while promoting entrepreneurship and self-reliance,” Tembur added.
In support of the national road to 15 billion Trees initiative launched in 2022, NYS has also positioned itself as a leader in climate action.
To date, the Service has planted over 1.5 million trees within its institutions, contributing to Kenya’s target of increasing tree cover from 12% to 30% by 2032.
“NYS is committed to playing its part in the Road to 15 billion Trees initiative. Our recruits are at the forefront of climate action, having already planted over 1.5 million trees,” said Tembur.
Established in 1964, the NYS was founded to instill discipline, patriotism, and vocational skills among the youth. Its mandate has since expanded, with thousands of recruits graduating each year equipped with employable skills, many of whom are absorbed into the civil service or private sector.
by Lamech Willy
