The government has dismissed suggestions that the National Youth Service (NYS) has been hit by a new corruption scandal, insisting the agency is operating within the law and remains firmly focused on serving young Kenyans. The CS further stated that the core mandate of NYS, paramilitary training, skills development and youth empowerment, has not only been preserved but expanded. He said thousands of young people are currently undergoing training in various fields, with the agency now emphasising employability, national service and technical skills. Ruku also announced that the next recruitment drive will take place next month as part of a broader government effort to enhance youth participation in national development programmes. The intake, he said, is expected to boost the number of beneficiaries and widen the impact of NYS across counties.

Source: The Star January 17, 2026 17:55 UTC