Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has ordered the immediate enforcement of suspension letters issued to three senior National Youth Service (NYS) officials.
The directive, issued on Thursday during a leadership transition ceremony at the NYS headquarters in Ruaraka, is part of a broader push to reinforce accountability and discipline within the institution.
“This move aims to uphold accountability and restore discipline within the institution,” CS Ruku stated, adding that the NYS, a taxpayer-funded agency, must be protected from individuals seeking to exploit it for personal gain.
“We have individuals who believe they can take advantage of NYS, but we must protect and guard it as a public institution. Resources must be managed appropriately and efficiently to achieve the intended goals,” he warned.
CS Ruku further emphasized the importance of ethical governance among public officers, citing constitutional provisions on integrity and service delivery.
“Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution are clear on the need for a public service rooted in integrity, accountability, and professionalism,” he said. “Public officers must ensure the efficient and effective use of resources, uphold transparency, and serve all Kenyans fairly and responsively.”
He urged the NYS Council to fast-track efforts to commercialize the institution to boost financial sustainability and help meet the government’s goal of recruiting and training 100,000 youths annually by 2027.
“As a Ministry, we will fully support commercialization efforts. This move will significantly increase the number of young people we train each year,” he affirmed.
The Cabinet Secretary also reiterated President William Ruto’s directive to safeguard public funds, warning that officials found guilty of mismanaging resources would not be tolerated within NYS.
Looking ahead, CS Ruku disclosed plans to introduce amendments to the NYS Act in Parliament. The proposed changes aim to foster collaboration between his Ministry and the Ministry of Sports to support talented youths who may not directly benefit from NYS recruitment.
“Moving forward, we will realign NYS to establish memoranda of understanding between the Ministry of Public Service and the Ministry of Sports. This will allow us to leverage existing facilities and train other deserving young Kenyans,” he said.
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