Public Service CS Ruku orders probe into embezzlement of funds at NYS, seeks reforms

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has outlined a raft of measures aimed at addressing systemic procurement irregularities within the National Youth Service (NYS).

The Cabinet Secretary spoke at his Harambee House office following a high-level consultative meeting with officials from the Ministry, Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) and NYS.

CS Ruku directed PPRA to undertake a comprehensive regulatory and compliance investigation into all NYS procurement and disposal proceedings from July 2019 to date. The findings, he said, will guide a broader policy review aimed at reforming NYS procurement systems.

This comes in response to allegations of the embezzlement of Ksh.2 billion at the NYS College in Gilgil, as detailed 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. Any breach of the Constitution and procurement laws cannot be tolerated,” the CS said.

Ruku further called on the PPRA to submit detailed recommendations on asset recovery by EACC and the Asset Recovery Agency, and directed NYS leadership to institute disciplinary action against involved NYS staff.

The CS also urged professional bodies to sanction the individuals involved and to debar the implicated individuals or entities from public procurement. He also left open the possibility of transferring NYS procurement responsibilities to another public agency if systemic failures are confirmed.

In a move aimed at informing future policy direction, the CS directed the Commandant General of NYS to submit a certified copy of the institution’s Procurement and Asset Disposal Systems and Procedures Manual for review.