Revisiting the Era of National Youth Service and Today's New Reality
The National Youth Service (NYS), established in 1964 shortly after Kenya's independence, was a statutory youth agency designed to mobilise young Kenyans for national development, instil discipline, and promote patriotism and nation-building. Over the years, NYS training programs have included paramilitary training, civic education, skills development, and community service projects.
The significance of NYS can be understood in several dimensions. It fostered a sense of national identity, especially important in the early post-independence period when Kenya sought to unify diverse ethnic groups. The service also provided vocational training, equipping youth with practical skills for employment and self-reliance. Moreover, the structured environment and paramilitary training were intended to instil discipline, order, and respect for authority among participants. NYS members have historically been involved in infrastructure projects, disaster response, and environmental conservation, directly contributing to national development.
However, the impact of NYS on the behaviour and values of its participants has been both lauded and criticised. Graduates often report increased self-discipline, teamwork, and a sense of responsibility. The communal living and shared goals can foster camaraderie and a spirit of service. On the other hand, NYS has faced scandals, including mismanagement and corruption, which have undermined its reputation. Some critics argue that the emphasis on obedience and hierarchy may suppress critical thinking and civic engagement.
In recent years, Kenya’s youth have become increasingly politically active, often outside formal structures like NYS. The 2024–2025 wave of Gen Z-led protests—driven by demands for accountability, justice, and economic opportunity—reflects a shift toward grassroots, digitally savvy activism that contrasts with the more regimented NYS model. This new generation’s focus on challenging authority and demanding transparency marks a departure from the traditional values NYS sought to instill.
Unlike the NYS, recent youth movements have emphasised defiance, creativity, and digital mobilisation over compliance and hierarchical discipline. The NYS model, rooted in post-colonial nation-building, focused on moulding young Kenyans into disciplined citizens ready to serve the state. Today’s youth, however, are more likely to question state authority and demand accountability, reflecting broader societal changes in values and expectations.
Modern times have brought about changes in burial practices, with cremation becoming common among urban elites. Contrasting with the past, it is now common for people to know each other for years but only learn their county or nearest town, not their homes. Visiting the real homes where we grew up, however, retains a sentimental value. Seeing crops, animals, and traditional methods of cooking can be magical, offering a glimpse into a way of life that urban life often misses.
The physical rigour of NYS training has been useful in the lives of those who went through it, serving as a test of endurance. The phrase "kufa tujue kwenu" (die, so that we can know your home) might be retired due to these changes in burial practices. The dual life experienced in both countryside and town is a contrast that urban life lacks, adding a sense of richness and diversity to life in rural areas.
In conclusion, the National Youth Service has played a historic role in shaping Kenya’s youth, emphasising discipline, patriotism, and service. Its impact on behaviour and values has been significant, especially in promoting national unity and skill acquisition. However, its influence is now being challenged by a new generation of digitally connected, politically aware youth who prioritise accountability and justice over traditional notions of obedience and hierarchy. The evolving nature of youth activism in Kenya suggests a complex interplay between state-led programs like NYS and the organic, grassroots mobilisation seen in recent protests.
An exploration of modern lifestyles reveals a diverse range of interests among Kenyan youth, extending beyond the traditional sector of NYS, into home-and-garden, education-and-self-development, and personal-growth categories. For instance, the growing trend of cremation among urban elites signifies a shift from traditional rural practices to urban elitism.
On the other hand, theatre groups and channels like epaper provide platforms for youth to engage in critical dialogue, fostering a spirit of dissent and questioning authority, a stark contrast to the structured and hierarchical learnerhip offered by NYS. This shift underscores the evolving priorities and values among Kenya's youth today.
