The National Youth Service (NYS) has taken a major step toward strengthening its financial sustainability with the commissioning of an ultra-modern bakery at its Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil.
The facility will produce food products primarily for internal consumption, enabling NYS to cut operational costs while equipping its recruits with hands-on technical and entrepreneurial skills.
The move comes as the service prepares to scale up its annual recruitment from 18,000 to 100,000 youths by 2028.
“The establishment of the NYS bakery demonstrates that youth-focused institutions can have social impact and be economically viable. We are determined to make NYS a model of self-reliance that contributes meaningfully to Kenya’s growth story,” said State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development Principal Secretary, Dr. Jane Imbunya.
The launch underscores the government’s ongoing strategy to commercialise NYS activities, particularly in agriculture and value addition, to reduce dependence on the national exchequer.
In addition to the bakery, NYS is also engaged in garment production, water bottling, vehicle hire, and large-scale farming.
Speaking at the launch, NYS Commandant General James Tembur emphasised that the bakery reflects a shift in the institution’s model.
“This bakery exemplifies our vision to make NYS self-reliant while equipping young people with the technical and entrepreneurial skills Kenya needs to prosper. It marks a shift from dependency to productivity — from training alone, to training that leads directly to enterprise and employment,” Tembur said.
The event was attended by NYS Council Chairman, Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Adan Mulata, senior government officials, private sector stakeholders, and young entrepreneurs.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has championed NYS commercialisation to expand revenue generation.
The strategy includes scaling up avocado, maize, and bean production at field units with the aim of positioning NYS as a key contributor to Kenya’s food security.
For instance, the Yatta field unit has already propagated 300,000 avocado seedlings ready for sale, with officials projecting significant income to support NYS programmes.
With vast land and a ready workforce, NYS hopes to transform its field units into the country’s food basket.
The commissioning of the bakery is seen as part of a wider plan to harness NYS resources, training, and labour for viable commercial enterprises that enhance the service’s sustainability while creating jobs for the youth.
