Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku has officially announced expanded roles for the National Youth Service (NYS), positioning them at the frontline in the disaster management and recovery framework.
Speaking during a visit to Stage Woria in Kawangware, Dagoretti North, Nairobi County, Ruku revealed the expansion in responsibilities follows Executive Order No.1 of 2025 by President William Ruto that granted the agency powers to assist in disaster management.
Following the order, NYS officers will now be mandated with extended responsibilities, including assisting in emergency and disaster management, response, and recovery programs.
“Executive Order No.1 of 2025 by the President has mandated National Youth Service (NYS) as a key agency in disaster management alongside other agencies within the State Department of Special Programmes,” the statement read in part.
“Moving forward, NYS will be assisting in emergency and disaster management, response, and recovery programmes in accordance with the Executive Order and in partnership with other disaster management agencies in the government,” the CS continued.
Traditionally associated with youth development and civic service, the NYS will now be tasked with clearing debris after a disaster, following the orders under the State Department for Special Programmes.
Under the executive order, they will also be tasked with distributing relief supplies, providing temporary shelter support, and assisting in the rebuilding of public infrastructure in disaster-hit areas.
Ruku was speaking after visiting the area as a follow-up on the victims' progress following a fire tragedy two weeks ago.
The fire left one person dead and rendered 14 families homeless. The Ministry visited the families and offered them supplies, including foodstuffs, bedding, soaps, and dignity packs.
The executive order comes at a time when Nairobi residents are increasingly grappling with fire outbreaks, flash floods, and structural collapses.
The numerous occurrences have increased the need for emergencies that require fast, well-coordinated response efforts.
Going forward, NYS officers will undergo additional training in emergency medical support, trauma-informed care, and climate-related disaster mitigation.
