Graduates of MYS don’t just benefit individually—they also bring transformation to their communities. Some are deployed to support local development projects such as: Building classrooms and Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers using eco-friendly technology Participating in public sanitation campaigns like Ngarisha Jiji Serving as Community Health Volunteers (CHVs), improving access to health education and care Mentoring other youth and acting as role models in their villages These contributions increase civic pride and create a sense of belonging among the youth

erhaps the greatest success of Meru Youth Service is in its ability to transform mindsets. Graduates leave the program with more than just a certificate—they leave with self-confidence, vision, and purpose. Many who once felt voiceless now sit at community leadership forums, championing youth issues and development. Some have enrolled in technical colleges to further their training, others have pursued positions in security services or civil service, while others have gone on to mentor the next generation of recruits.

n collaboration with partners like UN-Habitat and the Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) Foundation, MYS has supported graduates with start-up kits and capital to launch small businesses. Tailors have opened shops. Plumbers and electricians have become independent contractors. Cooks have launched catering services. These enterprises not only generate income but also create jobs for others.

After the initial induction phase, recruits are placed in vocational tracks aligned with their interests and county development needs. These include: Construction and masonry ICT and computer skills Hairdressing and beauty therapy Catering and hospitality Electrical and plumbing work Tailoring and fashion design Agribusiness and environmental conservation Through hands-on training and access to certified instructors, trainees gain practical skills that make them competitive in the job market. Many go on to secure employment in local businesses, start their own enterprises, or even get absorbed into county infrastructure projects.

A person seeking to be trained by the Youth Service may apply to the Board. The Board shall not charge a fee or any form of charges to a youth for training under this Act. Eligibility for Registration A person shall be eligible for registration for youth service training under this Act if the person— (a) is a citizen of Kenya and a resident in Meru County; (b) has a primary school certificate; (c) is a youth; and (d) is of sound mind. Factual Information to be Given An applicant shall at all times ensure that all information given to the Board is factual. The Board shall not be responsible for false or inaccurate information submitted by an applicant. An applicant who offers false or inaccurate information to the Board commits an offence and shall be liable, on conviction, to a fine not exceeding fifty thousand shillings, or imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months, or both. The Board shall keep and maintain an up-to-date register of all youth successfully trained by the Board. The register referred to under subsection (1) shall contain— (a) particulars of the youth recruited; (b) particulars of the youth trained and their specialized skills; (c) academic qualifications of the youth; (d) work experience, if any, of the youth; (e) contact details of the youth; (f) the ward and sub-county from which the youth comes.

Youth Empowerment: MYS responds to the loss of income from the miraa export ban to the EU (~US$6B/year), offering alternatives through skills and service Community Development: Trainees actively engage in county improvement projects—from town cleaning campaigns to building community infrastructure. Behavioral Transformation: With paramilitary-style training and mentorship, MYS promotes discipline, civic responsibility, and mental wellness among youth

Trainees and Enrollees: More than 2,000 recruited from all 45 wards; initial cohort of 1,000 trained, with an additional 600 in vocational training during launch phases. Over 3,000 youth enrolled into TVET institutions through MYS Construction Skills Training: More than 60 youth graduated in early 2019 with skills in eco‑friendly block making, intended for county public works like ECDE centers  Social Rehabilitation: Around 150 street children were rescued, offered skill training or educational placement through MYS pathways 

The MYS delivers multi-faceted programs in: Vocational Training: Courses include carpentry, masonry, electrical work, plumbing, ICT, hairdressing, catering, and ICT—often culminating in internships or self-employment opportunities Community Service & Public Projects: Trainees contribute to green‑up campaigns (e.g. Ngarisha Jiji), slum upgrades, urban regeneration, and production of eco‑friendly interlocking soil‑based construction blocks—helping local ECDE building projects and reducing costs via UN‑Habitat innovations Paramilitary‑style Instruction: A structured segment that fosters discipline, teamwork, and service ethos—similar to NYS style training but localized for Meru County. Participants are oriented into serving communities responsibly and productively Health and Civic Volunteer Service: Some enrolled youth are trained as Community Health Volunteers (CHVs) and help in county health outreach programs, enhancing public health and youth visibility in the service sector