Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has praised the National Youth Service (NYS) for its tangible contributions to Kenya’s development, highlighting its role in environmental conservation, disaster response, and employment programs. Speaking at the NYS passing-out parade in Gilgil, Nakuru County, Ruku emphasized that the service has deployed young people to address practical community challenges, including planting over 71.8 million trees since 2022 and rebuilding 56 homes destroyed by landslides in Chesongoch, Elgeyo Marakwet County. He noted that 80–90% of the homes have been completed, underscoring the service’s commitment to community resilience. Ruku also cited the employment of 12,760 NYS alumni since 2024, with 5,720 securing placements in the UK, Israel, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Australia through the government’s Kazi Majuu initiative, which supports labor mobility abroad.
The Cabinet Secretary further highlighted NYS’s agricultural initiatives, including partnerships with the National Irrigation Authority (NIA) to cultivate 3,000 acres in the Tana Basin and potato seed multiplication in Turbo, with plans to establish 100 acres for disease-free seed production. These efforts, he said, demonstrate how youth can drive national progress when equipped with discipline and practical skills. Ruku emphasized that NYS provides a platform for young Kenyans to develop patriotism and technical expertise, aligning with the government’s broader goals of youth empowerment and economic growth. The service’s Climate WorX program has also engaged personnel in roadworks, river restoration, and other environmental interventions, reinforcing its multifaceted impact.
Over 15,363 recruits from the 01/2026 cohort graduated after six months of training at the NYS Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil. The cohort included 11,527 men, 3,835 women, and 15 individuals with disabilities, reflecting the service’s inclusive approach. Ruku’s remarks came as NYS continued to expand its reach, blending community service with vocational training to address Kenya’s developmental needs. The service’s work, he argued, exemplifies the value of national service in fostering resilience, innovation, and sustainable growth across the country.
The recognition of NYS’s contributions underscores its role as a critical pillar of Kenya’s youth development strategy. By integrating environmental stewardship, disaster response, and employment pathways, the service has positioned itself as a model for leveraging youth potential to tackle national challenges. With ongoing projects in agriculture, infrastructure, and international labor mobility, NYS remains a key actor in shaping Kenya’s socio-economic landscape, as highlighted by Ruku’s endorsement of its transformative work.