Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has announced a comprehensive probe into procurement irregularities at the National Youth Service (NYS), following fresh allegations of embezzlement amounting to Ksh.2 billion.
Speaking from his Harambee House office after a high-level meeting with officials from the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA), NYS, and the Ministry, CS Ruku directed PPRA to launch a full-scale regulatory and compliance investigation into all NYS procurement and disposal activities dating back to July 2019.
The directive comes in response to a damning report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), released on May 7, 2025, which uncovered the massive embezzlement of funds at the NYS College in Gilgil. Ruku emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance stance on corruption and insisted that procurement violations and constitutional breaches would be met with decisive action.
“The youth of this country deserve transparent and accountable service delivery. Any breach of the Constitution and procurement laws cannot be tolerated,” the CS stated.
Ruku also tasked the PPRA with submitting actionable recommendations concerning asset recovery, in collaboration with the EACC and the Asset Recovery Agency. Furthermore, he directed NYS leadership to initiate disciplinary action against any staff found culpable.
In a broader crackdown, the CS appealed to professional regulatory bodies to sanction and debar individuals or entities involved in the scandal from participating in future public procurement. He also raised the possibility of transferring NYS procurement functions to another government agency if systemic weaknesses are found to be entrenched.
To support the policy reform process, Ruku instructed the Commandant General of NYS to present a certified copy of the institution’s Procurement and Asset Disposal Systems and Procedures Manual for review.
These measures are part of a wider government push to restore public trust in NYS and ensure robust oversight of public resources. The outcome of the investigation is expected to shape future procurement reforms within the institution.
