The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, has called on the National Youth Service (NYS) to effect suspension letters against its three senior managers.

Ruku said the implementation of suspension letters will play a key role in upholding accountability and restoring discipline within the institution.

Speaking during the official handover ceremony of the NYS Council Chair at the NYS headquarters in Ruaraka, Ruku emphasised that any public officer unwilling to embrace good governance and responsible service delivery should step aside.

“Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution are clear on the need for a public service rooted in integrity, accountability, and professionalism,” he said, adding, “Public officers must ensure efficient and effective use of resources, uphold transparency, and serve all Kenyans fairly and responsively.”

READ: CS Ruku orders probe into alleged NYS systemic procurement irregularities

Ruku noted that the NYS, as a key state agency funded by taxpayers, must be shielded 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.

The CS urged the NYS Council to expedite efforts to commercialise the institution, a move he said will improve financial sustainability and support the ambitious plan to recruit and train 100,000 youths annually by 2027.

“As a Ministry, we will fully support commercialisation efforts. This move will significantly increase the number of young people we train each year,” he said.

He also reiterated President William Ruto’s firm directives on safeguarding public resources and warned that individuals found mismanaging funds have no place in NYS.

In a broader vision for the institution, CS Ruku announced plans to propose amendments to the NYS Act through the National Assembly.

The changes aim to foster collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and other departments to support talented youth who may not be directly recruited into NYS.

ALSO READ: Ruku unveils plan to equip youth through NYS, sports programmes

“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 revealed.

The event also marked the official transition of NYS Council leadership, with outgoing Chair Lt Gen (Rtd) Njuki Mwaniki handing over to Lt Gen (Rtd) Adan Mulata after completing two terms at the helm.

Earlier in the month, Ruku gave an outline of a raft of measures aimed at addressing systemic procurement irregularities within the National Youth Service (NYS).

The move was in response to allegations of the embezzlement of Sh2 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.