The government has dismissed reports linking the National Youth Service (NYS) to fresh corruption scandals involving Sh6.2 billion, saying no public funds have been lost and that stringent measures are in place to protect taxpayers’ money.
Speaking on the matter, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku said the allegations being circulated relate to dubious claims dating back to 2013–2016 and do not reflect the current state of the institution.
“The NYS has a clean slate. We have ensured any claims involving pending bills from those years have been thoroughly investigated and audited. The government has not paid for any fraudulent or fictitious supplies,” said Ruku.
According to the report, the purported NYS III scandal involves attempts by individuals and companies to resurrect old, questionable pending bills through forged local purchase orders and delivery notes for goods that were never supplied. Investigative agencies, including the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), have already moved to freeze the payments through court orders.
The CS added that the government is working closely with the Judiciary and other oversight institutions to ensure that no public money is lost through what he termed as “fictitious and opportunistic schemes”.
“Putting scandalous headlines does not help the country. What matters is that the systems are working. Those dubious deals have not and will not be paid, and Kenyans will not lose their money,” he said.
Ruku further described NYS as a strong and healthy institution, adding that plans are underway to recruit more youth into the service next month, reinforcing its role as one of the country’s most important public institutions.
He was speaking during the official opening of the Huduma Centre in Gatundu North Sub-County in Kiambu County, accompanied by area MP Elijah Kururia.
Turning to the drought situation, the CS assured Kenyans that the government has sufficient food stocks in national reserves and has rolled out a major relief food distribution programme targeting 23 Arid and Semi-Arid Land (ASAL) counties.
He said counties such as Turkana, Marsabit, Mandera, Wajir and other arid and semi-arid areas are already receiving relief supplies, including maize and rice, to cushion vulnerable households during the ongoing drought.
“As of January 2026, the government has enough food to ensure no Kenyan suffers because of lack of food,” Ruku said.
In addition to food for human consumption, the government is also providing livestock feed to support pastoralist communities, noting that camels and cattle will be adequately catered for.
Ruku emphasised that chiefs and their assistants will play a key role in ensuring fair and transparent distribution of relief food to all affected populations, as the government intensifies efforts to avert hunger in drought-hit regions.
By Muoki Charles
