The National Youth Service (NYS) has launched a 3,000-acre agricultural programme in Tana River county, Kenya, aiming to increase food production, livestock feed supply, and employment opportunities. This initiative is a partnership between NYS, the National Irrigation Authority, and the National Livestock Development and Promotion Services. The programme is part of a broader plan to irrigate 3,000 acres across Masabubu, Bura, and Hola, enhancing agricultural production and food security in the region.
The project involves 2,000 acres at Masabubu dedicated to fodder production and 1,000 acres for maize cultivation. NYS Council chairman Adan Mulata, who presided over the commissioning, stated that the programme would strengthen the agency's commercial activities and improve its revenue generation capacity. The initiative is expected to benefit the local community through employment and the transfer of agricultural skills, particularly in modern fodder production techniques.
The programme will also focus on training local farmers to adopt improved fodder production methods, aiming to raise productivity and strengthen livelihoods in the area. To support irrigation, NYS is rehabilitating and clearing a 9.7-kilometre canal, with 5.5 kilometres already cleared to improve water flow to the farms. This will enable sustained cultivation and ensure the land can be used for both food and animal feed production.
The focus on fodder production is crucial, as it seeks to support livestock production in the region, where reliable access to animal feed is vital for pastoral and farming communities. The partnership brings together NYS, the National Irrigation Authority, and the livestock development agency, combining land, technical expertise, and manpower to support the project.
National Irrigation Authority chairman Eng Gilbert Maluki, NYS Deputy Commandant General Evans Yaite, and representatives of the local administration attended the commissioning. They commended the commitment and discipline of the young people involved in the project, expressing confidence in their ability to deliver on its objectives. The servicemen were encouraged to share the skills acquired through the programme with their communities.
Adan Mulata encouraged the youth to make the most of the opportunities offered through national service and use their training to contribute to development when they return to their respective communities. The project is also expected to strengthen NYS’s agricultural enterprises by increasing production and creating opportunities for the Service to support its operations through commercial activities.
The commissioning ended with a tour of the camp, where the delegation inspected ongoing activities, agricultural infrastructure, and progress on the various initiatives. Other officials present included NYS Director of Farms Kennedy Nyakango, Eastern Regional Commander Peninah Mukundi, and local farmers and administrators. The programme is set to have a positive impact on the local community and contribute to Kenya's food security efforts.
Key points
- The National Youth Service has commissioned a 3,000-acre agricultural programme in Tana River county to boost food production and livestock feed supply.
