CS Ruku orders probe into NYS fund misuse, demands reforms
According to the CS, the outcomes of this investigation will inform a broader policy overhaul at the NYS.
Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has unveiled a series of strategic actions to tackle entrenched procurement irregularities within the National Youth Service (NYS).
Speaking from his office at Harambee House after a high-level consultative meeting with officials from the Ministry, the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), and the NYS, the CS emphasized the government's commitment to restoring transparency and accountability in the institution's procurement processes.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Ruku has instructed the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) to conduct an in-depth regulatory and compliance review of all procurement and asset disposal activities at the National Youth Service (NYS) from July 2019 onward.
According to the CS, the outcomes of this investigation will inform a broader policy overhaul aimed at overhauling NYS's procurement framework.
The directive follows revelations of a Sh2 billion embezzlement scandal at the NYS College in Gilgil, as outlined in a report released by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) on May 7, 2025.
"The youth of this country deserve transparent and accountable service delivery, and any violation of the Constitution or procurement laws is unacceptable," the CS affirmed.
Ruku also urged the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) to present comprehensive recommendations to facilitate asset recovery by the EACC and the Asset Recovery Agency.
He further instructed the NYS leadership to take disciplinary measures against implicated staff.
Additionally, the CS called on professional bodies to penalize those involved and to blacklist the individuals or entities from participating in public procurement.
He also indicated that if systemic failures persist, NYS procurement functions could be transferred to another public agency.
To guide future policy decisions, the CS instructed the NYS Commandant General to submit a certified copy of the institution’s Procurement and Asset Disposal Systems and Procedures Manual for review.
