Public Service and Human Capital Development Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has ordered the immediate implementation of suspension letters served to three senior officials at the National Youth Service (NYS), in what appears to be the beginning of a no-nonsense cleanup of the institution.
Speaking at the NYS headquarters in Ruaraka during the handover ceremony for the new NYS Council Chairperson, Ruku made it clear that discipline, integrity, and accountability are non-negotiable in public service.
“These principles are enshrined in our Constitution under Articles 10 and 232,” he said. “Public officers must serve with professionalism, manage public resources responsibly, and remain transparent in all dealings.”
The suspension of the three managers, Ruku explained, is a step toward restoring order and safeguarding NYS from internal misuse.
“There are people who think they can treat NYS as a personal playground. That ends now. NYS belongs to the people of Kenya and must be protected from mismanagement,” he declared.
Ruku emphasized the government’s intention to turn around NYS by pushing for its commercialisation. He said that increasing the institution’s ability to generate income would not only enhance financial stability but also help achieve the target of recruiting and training 100,000 young people annually by 2027.
“The commercialisation of NYS is no longer optional it’s essential,” he noted. “Our ministry is fully committed to supporting this strategy because it’s the surest way to expand training opportunities for our youth.”
The CS also reiterated President William Ruto’s position that public resources must be shielded from abuse, warning that anyone found mismanaging funds would be shown the door.
As part of a broader reform agenda, Ruku revealed plans to amend the NYS Act. The changes would enable greater collaboration between NYS, the Ministry of Sports, and other departments to support young people with talents that may not align with the core NYS recruitment model.
“We want to be more inclusive,” he said. “By partnering with the Ministry of Sports, we can open up new pathways for youth development using existing training facilities.”
The day also marked a leadership shift at the NYS Council. Outgoing Chair Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Njuki Mwaniki officially handed over to Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Adan Mulata, bringing to a close Mwaniki’s two-term tenure at the helm.
