NYS Targets to Boost Food Security in the Country

National Youth Service (NYS) targets to generate Ksh. One billion annually up from the current Ksh. 40 million in agricultural production to boost food security in the Country.

Principal Secretary, Mrs. Mary Kimonye during her familiarization tour at NYS Yatta Complex, Machakos County on Monday 31^st August applauded NYS for their effort to boost food security in the Country.

“I want to commend the officers and servicemen for the good job they have done in these field stations. It is quite impressive, their efforts will go a long way in realization of the President’s Big Four Agenda on food security and nutrition,” she reiterated.

Mrs. Kimonye called for mechanization, use of modern farming technology and harvesting of rainwater for irrigation purposes, a move which she said will provide an opportunity for expansion of the field stations.

She noted that the Athi River NYS station if fully equipped with modern farming technology will be able to cultivate 3,396 acres of land for food production up from the current 300.

The Yatta Complex comprised of three NYS farming field stations namely; Mavoloni field unit, Athi River field unit and Yatta field unit which mainly engage in crop and livestock production.

The tour was an opportunity for the Principal Secretary to better understand the programmes currently being implemented at the field stations, the opportunities available and the challenges facing the field units for planning purposes.

At the Mavoloni field unit, which covers an area of 70 Ha, the PS toured the orchards, maize and banana plantations as well as the horticultural unit. She also toured the livestock production unit which comprises of both ranching and zero grazing.

In Athi River field station the Principal Secretary toured the pawpaw and avocado farm where grafting of local and imported varieties is being carried out, as well as the horticultural section which also has Green-house farming for vegetables, beans, tomatoes among other plants.

The Yatta station houses the Yatta School of Agriculture and School of Plant Operators and Mechanics which offer technical support to TVET institutions such as Meru Ploytechnic, Nkabane Technical and Kiirua Technical. Also supports the Yatta Academy and Huduma Secondary School.

The Principal Secretary was accompanied by the Principal Administrative Secretary, Mr. Steve Ndele, Secretary Administration, Mr. Muktar Abdi among other officials from the Ministry and NYS.

By Andrew Ishepai