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

The move is 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.

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

He directed PPRA to immediately 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.

“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.

CS 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 the debarment of 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.

The statement marks a firm stance by the Ministry in tackling corruption and restoring integrity in public service delivery.