Kenya National Youth Service (NYS) was established in 1964 and its operations are regulated by the National Youth Service Act (cap 208). Its mandate is to train the youth to serve the nation. NYS offers trainees technical and vocational programmes, ranging from artisan and craft to diploma courses in its technical training institutions.
lt is also the responsibility of the NYS to serve with the Armed Forces during war in the defence of the nation. Through the Department of Defence, the Service has trained its members in military manouvres. The NYS is a disciplined force in the same lines as the Armed Forces and the police.
NYS has participated in emergency and disaster operations transportation of relief and medical supplies to remote regions. The Service has supported the military and police in disaster operations the 1994 Likoni Ferry disaster, 1980 Norfolk Hotel terrorist attack, 1998 bombing of Nairobi’s US Embassy and the rehabilitation of Budalang’i dykes.
NYS farms are in arid and semiarid regions. They serve as demonstration centres for local communities, disseminating modern agricultural knowledge, methods and practices. Farm officials visit farms and offer free extension services to improve crop and livestock husbandry
