In a bold move to clean up the National Youth Service (NYS), Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has ordered the immediate suspension of three top managers at the agency.
Speaking at the NYS headquarters in Ruaraka on Thursday, Mr Ruku said the action was long overdue. The aim, he explained, is to restore public confidence in a body long plagued by controversy.
“We must protect NYS from being misused,” he told the press. “There are people who think they can take advantage of it, but this is a public institution. Taxpayers fund it, and we must safeguard those resources.”
The suspended officials have not yet been named publicly, but Ruku confirmed that suspension letters had already been issued and are to be acted on without delay.
The announcement came during a leadership transition ceremony at the NYS Council. Outgoing chair Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Njuki Mwaniki handed over to Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Adan Mulata, who now takes the reins.
The NYS, once celebrated for its training and empowerment of young Kenyans, has over the years faced accusations of corruption and poor management. Mr Ruku’s firm stance signals a new chapter—or at least an attempt at one.
Citing Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution, the CS reminded public servants of their duty to uphold integrity, transparency and efficiency.
“Public officers must ensure that resources are used wisely,” he said. “This is not about politics. It’s about service.”
The CS also laid out plans to commercialise the NYS, arguing that it would make the institution more self-sustaining while increasing its reach. The goal, he said, is to train 100,000 young people every year by 2027.
“This will help us go beyond government funding,” he said. “We want NYS to support itself and do even more for the youth.”
He hinted at further reforms, including a proposal to change the NYS Act. The amendments would allow greater cooperation with the Ministry of Sports and other departments to help young talent not directly recruited into NYS.
“We’re looking at ways to work together—build partnerships that make the most of existing facilities and give young people real opportunities,” Ruku said.
The mood at the NYS headquarters was cautiously optimistic. While some officials welcomed the changes, others expressed concerns about how quickly reforms could be implemented.
Still, the message was clear: the days of unchecked mismanagement at NYS may be numbered.
“We’re watching closely,” said one youth programme coordinator, who asked not to be named. “If they’re serious this time, maybe things will finally change.”
