Thirty years ago, the 1996 National Youth Service intake walked into history. After reporting in September 1996 and passing out in March 1997, a rare presidential directive from H.E. Daniel arap Moi changed their destiny—full military training under the Kenya Defence Forces.
Within days, KDF Recruit Training School rolled into NYS Gilgil with guns, vehicles, and instructors. What followed was an intense transformation: jungle and urban warfare, live-fire range exercises, ambush and counter-ambush drills, rocket launcher training, military law, ranks and standing orders, and brutal physical conditioning alongside 5 Kenya Rifles (5KR). This is where the legendary name “Ex-Bayonets” (XBIONNATE) was forged.
The training was unforgiving. A bayonet incident—born of indiscipline by a few—led to collective punishment, testing endurance, unity, and character. From that crucible emerged what is widely remembered as the most disciplined group ever produced by the Service.
Politically charged and controversially nicknamed “Jeshi la Mzee”, plans to absorb the group into the military eventually stalled. After their 1997 pass-out, the servicemen and women were deployed across the country to continue Nation Building, while over 400 junior officers underwent further military training to command and manage this elite cadre.
Shout out to all officers, servicemen, and servicewomen who trained this year—you carry the torch forward. To the XBIONNATE, your legacy stands tall: discipline, resilience, sacrifice, and service to the Nation