The National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture has directed the Inspector General of Police and the State Corporations Advisory Committee (SCAC) to pursue former National Youth Service (NYS) managers and board members over millions of shillings allegedly lost during their tenure.
The committee, chaired by Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, reviewed NYS accounts covering the 2019/2020 to 2024/2025 financial years, raising concerns over stalled projects, irregular payments, questionable appointments and the failure to recover public funds.
MPs said former accounting officers, finance officials and board members should be held personally liable for decisions that resulted in financial losses and called for the recovery of taxpayers’ money.
The committee faulted NYS for failing to recover public funds tied to construction projects that stalled years after contractors had received substantial payments.
Among the projects singled out was the construction of a double-span kitchen, dining hall and barracks at the NYS Engineering Institute in Ruaraka, which legislators said remains incomplete despite substantial payments having already been made to contractors.
Lawmakers also questioned the recruitment of a Procurement Specialist on a two-year contract that cost taxpayers Sh6.7 million.
The committee noted that the officer earned a monthly salary of Sh322,040, exceeding the Public Service Commission’s recommended salary cap.
According to MPs, the specialist’s responsibilities largely duplicated those of the existing Head of Supply Chain Management, making the appointment an unnecessary expenditure that offered no demonstrated value for money.
The legislators further expressed concern that vast tracts of NYS land may have been lost through encroachment and the illegal sale of some portions, calling for thorough investigations to establish the extent of the losses and identify those responsible.
The committee urged the Inspector General of Police to investigate the suspected financial and criminal irregularities and ensure those found culpable are prosecuted. At the same time, it directed the State Corporations Advisory Committee to commence surcharge proceedings against former officials responsible for the loss of public resources.
Committee Chairperson Emmanuel Wangwe said public officers entrusted with managing taxpayers’ money must be held personally accountable for decisions that occasion financial losses, stressing that Kenyans should not bear the burden of negligence, abuse of office or mismanagement.
The committee further called for stronger governance, financial oversight and accountability mechanisms within the National Youth Service and other state corporations to safeguard public resources and restore confidence in the management of public institutions.