For decades, the officers of the National Youth Service (NYS) have lived in conditions that betrayed the value of their service. Today, that narrative began to change. Ground has officially been broken for the construction of 120 modern staff housing units at the NYS Paramilitary Academy in Gilgil.

This project is part of the government’s broader Affordable Housing Agenda, but its significance goes beyond mere bricks and mortar. It is a restoration of dignity for the men and women who train the country’s youth.

Scope of the Project

The initiative, overseen by the Ministry of Lands and Housing, aims to replace the dilapidated structures that have housed officers since the colonial era. The new units will feature:

• Modern Amenities: Self-contained units with proper sanitation and water supply.
• Family Integration: Designed to accommodate officers living with their families, boosting morale.
• Timeline: Construction is slated for rapid completion, with the tender process already expedited.

"You cannot expect first-class discipline from officers living in third-class conditions," said the NYS Director General during the ceremony. "This is an investment in the psychology of our force."

The Gilgil academy is the heartbeat of the NYS. Every recruit passes through its gates. By upgrading the staff quarters, the government is hoping to improve the quality of training and reduce the attrition rate among instructors.

As the excavators dig into the dry Gilgil soil, they are burying the legacy of neglect. The challenge now is to ensure the project does not fall victim to the 'white elephant' syndrome that plagues public infrastructure.