The National Youth Service (NYS) has commissioned a modern bakehouse at its Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil as part of efforts to boost financial independence and reduce reliance on government funding.
The new facility will produce food products primarily for internal use, helping NYS cut operational costs. At the same time, it will provide recruits with hands-on training in technical and entrepreneurial skills that can support future employment and enterprise.
This development comes as NYS prepares to scale up its annual recruitment from 18,000 to 100,000 youths by 2028, a move aimed at empowering more young Kenyans with skills for both national service and self-employment.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Jane Imbunya, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development, said the initiative demonstrates how youth-focused institutions can combine social impact with economic viability.
“We are determined to make NYS a model of self-reliance that contributes meaningfully to Kenya’s growth story,” Dr. Imbunya noted.
NYS Commandant General James Tembur echoed this sentiment, saying 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 skills Kenya needs to prosper. It marks a shift from dependency to productivity,” Tembur said.
The bakery adds to other NYS commercial activities such as garment production, water bottling, vehicle hire, and large-scale farming. These ventures are part of a broader government strategy to commercialise NYS operations, especially in agriculture and value addition, thereby reducing dependence on the national exchequer.
The launch event was attended by NYS Council Chairman Lt. Gen. (Rtd.) Adan Mulata, senior government officials, private sector stakeholders, and young entrepreneurs, signaling strong support for the initiative.
With this investment, NYS is positioning itself as not just a training ground but also a driver of enterprise and innovation among Kenya’s youth.
