THE NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE PASSING-OUT PARADE, PARAMILITARY ACADEMY, GILGIL, NAKURU COUNTY

The National Youth Service (NYS) 01/2026 cohort passed out on 2nd October 2026 at the NYS Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil, marking the completion of six months of intensive paramilitary, technical and vocational training.

The ceremony was presided over by Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Hon. Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku, who represented His Excellency the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces. The CS was accompanied by Principal Secretary, State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development, Prof. Jane Kere Imbunya.

The ceremony was attended by the NYS Commandant General, Deputy Commandant General, senior Government officials, NYS officers and instructors, parents, guardians and other leaders.

The CS congratulated the graduating servicemen and servicewomen, noting that their training had instilled discipline, patriotism, resilience and practical skills necessary for national service.

He highlighted the growing role of NYS in Kenya’s human capital development agenda, including skills development, employment pathways, environmental conservation, infrastructure development, food security and emergency response.

Since 2022, NYS programmes have contributed to the planting of more than 71.8 million trees, while the Service continues to support community development and climate action initiatives across the country.

The Government has set aside resources for the re-engineering and expansion of NYS training infrastructure across the country, including additional classrooms, workshops, barracks, kitchens and administration facilities, to strengthen the Service’s capacity as recruitment progressively expands.

Prof. Imbunya commended NYS for equipping young Kenyans with market-relevant competencies and strengthening the recognition of skills acquired through national service.

She noted that 15,364 recruits are currently undergoing training, while 28,824 servicemen and servicewomen are deployed across the country. In addition, 16,706 trainees have graduated with technical and vocational skills.

The PS encouraged the graduates to uphold discipline, teamwork, humility and a strong sense of duty as they begin the next chapter of their service to the nation.

The Government continues to strengthen the National Youth Service as a key platform for developing Kenya’s young people into disciplined, skilled and productive citizens who can contribute meaningfully to national development.