The National Youth Service (NYS) in Kenya, established in 1964, plays a key role in youth empowerment through structured paramilitary training, civic education, and vocational skills development. It aims to foster discipline, patriotism, and self-reliance among Kenyan youth, preparing them for the workforce and national service. NYS engages in various national projects, including infrastructure development, environmental conservation, and emergency response. Through its programs, NYS also supports social cohesion and economic growth by equipping youth with skills essential for nation-building and fostering a sense of civic responsibility.
CEO: James K. Tembur, MBS
James Kipsiele Tembur, MBS, is the Director General of Kenya’s National Youth Service (NYS), appointed in December 2023. A seasoned administrator, Tembur previously served as the acting DG of NYS, where he demonstrated strong leadership and strategic vision. His role involves empowering youth through paramilitary and vocational training to enhance civic responsibility and economic productivity.
Management Team
James Tembur
Commandant General
Jamlick M. Chabari
Deputy Director General Paramilitary Training and National Service
Francis N. Ngigi
Director Finance and Accounts
Dr. James Kairu
Director Supply Chain Management Services
Jackline Makanda
Director Strategy and Planning
Nicholas Makokha
Head Corporate Services
Maggy N. Munyasya
Diretor – Internal Audit
Julius K. Thuranira
Director Farms
Abdulkadir Waqo Jarso
Director ICT
Evans Onderi
Head Legal Services
Mike Njagi
Head Health Services and ACU Coordinator
Board of Governors
Lt Gen (Rtd) Njuki Mwaniki
Chairman
Christine Achieng Odera
Independent Member
Richard Kakunga Wambua
Independent Member
Michael Jasper Obonyo
Alternate Member, PS, National Treasury
Brig. Bernard Kiprotich Jerry Korir
Alternate Member, CDF
James K. Tembur
Commandant General
Functions
- Youth Empowerment: Train youth in vocational and paramilitary skills to enhance their employability.
- National Service: Engage youth in community service and public projects across Kenya.
- Vocational Training: Offer skills development in areas like construction, engineering, hospitality, and agriculture.
- Disaster Response: Provide rapid deployment for emergency relief and disaster management.
- Peacekeeping Support: Assist in peacekeeping missions and maintaining security in emergencies.
- Infrastructure Development: Contribute to national infrastructure through projects in roads, housing, and public facilities.
- Environmental Conservation: Participate in reforestation, waste management, and environmental restoration.
- Social Cohesion: Foster national unity and civic pride among youth.
- Discipline and Civic Education: Instill discipline, patriotism, and responsible citizenship.
- Economic Development: Support Kenya’s economy by equipping youth to contribute productively to various sectors.
Important Links
Address & Contacts
- National Youth Service Headquarters, Off Thika Super Highway, Ruaraka
- P.O. Box: 30397-00100 Nairobi GPO.
- commandant.general@nys.go.ke
- +254-020 2632925