Kenya's government has unveiled plans to establish a new state corporation to commercialize the National Youth Service (NYS), aiming to boost employment and sustainability. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku shared the initiative during a Senate appearance. The move seeks to transform NYS into a productive entity aligned with national development goals.
On November 12, 2025, Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku appeared before the Senate to outline the government's strategy for transforming the National Youth Service (NYS). He announced the establishment of the National Youth Service Enterprises and Services Company, which will function as the commercial arm of NYS under its commercialization agenda.
“The National Youth Service (NYS) is in the process of establishing the National Youth Service Enterprises and Services Company to act as a commercial arm of the National Youth Service commercialisation agenda. The approval process of the regulations and registration of the company is ongoing at the moment,” Ruku stated.
The initiative aims to enhance employment, revenue generation, and the sustainability of NYS. Ruku explained that business plans will cover multiple sectors to contribute to youth empowerment and national development. The proposal is currently under review by the Cabinet and the National Treasury to ensure compliance with policy and legal frameworks.
This plan aligns with Presidential directives and key national strategies, including the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the Fourth Medium-Term Plan, and Kenya Vision 2030. It addresses youth unemployment by promoting training, enterprise development, and engagement in productive sectors.
“The Kenyan youth are asking us, ‘Where are the jobs?’ Any opportunity that the government can create to initiate job creation is what we are pursuing through the commercialisation process,” Ruku added.
The new corporation will leverage NYS's resources, such as land, machinery, and skilled personnel, for revenue generation. For instance, NYS-trained youth will participate in affordable housing construction and vehicle repairs. Once operational, it is expected to create sustainable jobs for thousands, particularly in marginalized regions, and run income-generating projects across sectors.
According to the ministry, this will evolve NYS from a paramilitary service into a hybrid model combining discipline with economic productivity, easing the government's fiscal burden.