[Nairobi, Kenya], 18 August 2026 – The National Youth Service (NYS), in partnership with Uber and Uber’s electric Boda fleet partner, GreenWheels, has equipped 342 servicemen and servicewomen with practical e-mobility skills, while creating pathways for graduates to access earning opportunities in Kenya’s growing electric mobility sector.
The pioneer cohort completed an intensive two-week E-Mobility Driver Training Program at the NYS Camp MTB in Nairobi, earning certification in e-mobility-related skills. The program equips young people transitioning from the Service with practical, market-ready competencies that support sustainable livelihoods and participation in Kenya’s evolving digital and mobility economy.
The milestone was marked at a graduation ceremony presided over by NYS Deputy Commandant General, Operations and Logistics, Nicholas J. Makokha, HSC, at the NYS Headquarters.
As part of the partnership, the first cohort of 110 graduates is now transitioning to become GreenWheels drivers on a lease-to-own model, with Uber supporting their onboarding onto the platform. Recognising that upfront compliance and onboarding fees often prevent young people from entering the transport sector, Uber and GreenWheels have co-funded 50% of the initial onboarding costs for this inaugural class, splitting the investment equally to lower the barrier to entry.
The collaboration between NYS and GreenWheels has expanded into a broader partnership focused on youth skills development and employment, including recruitment and placement of EV drivers; technical staffing for EV assembly, servicing, maintenance and compliance; industrial attachment and apprenticeship opportunities; EV technical training and certification; and capacity building for trainers and technical personnel
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The program will end at the end of the year, with approximately 100 NYS graduates expected to transition into GreenWheels driving opportunities every three months.
Speaking during the ceremony, Imran Manji, General Manager for Uber East Africa, said the partnership shows how public-private collaboration can help young people turn skills into economic opportunities.
“Young people need more than skills; they need pathways to turn those skills into meaningful economic opportunities. By working with NYS and GreenWheels, we are helping graduates move from training into practical earning opportunities while also supporting the growth of electric mobility in Kenya.”
NYS Deputy Commandant General, Operations and Logistics, Nicholas J. Makokha, HSC, congratulated the graduates for successfully completing the program and encouraged them to use the skills acquired to build sustainable livelihoods, embrace available opportunities and work towards financial independence as they exit the Service.
For Uber, the initiative supports its broader commitment to reducing barriers to earning opportunities and helping more young people participate in Kenya’s digital economy.
