President Uhuru warns looters of NYS money

President Uhuru Kenyatta with NYS recruits during their passing out parade in Gilgil, Nakuru, yesterday. He said anyone found misusing the youth fund would be punished. [PHOTO: BONIFACE THUKU/Standard]

The Government will punish anyone out to undermine efforts to revamp programmes targeting the youth, President Uhuru Kenyatta has said.

While speaking at the National Youth Service (NYS) passing-out parade in Gilgil, Nakuru, the Head of State said the team that was appointed last year has proven its leadership and will steer NYS to success.

"The rogue elements who try to subvert the dreams of the Kenyan youth and the future of the country will always be overcome by youth who choose the path of hard work and hope, over the easy path of corruption and sloth," he said.

Some 9,039 recruits graduated from the paramilitary training, five months after completing the recommended six months' training. President Kenyatta said in the past one year NYS had faced several challenges but has remained resilient in serving the country.

"With the new proven leadership we expect much from them. We will support the NYS, and we will invest in the youth. For those who need a reason: the bright faces of these thousands of young people graduating today are your answer," he said.

He challenged the recruits to remain focused on their responsibilities and demands of their citizenship as they join other Kenyans in building the nation.

Public Service, Youth and Gender affairs Cabinet Secretary Sicily Kariuki said the Government was putting in place measures to strengthen financial and procurement systems. She said the Government relaunched training programmes to respond to the needs of the youth.

"We have reviewed all the NYS training programmes to cater and address emerging challenges that affect our youth, for instance the declining numbers of skilled workers such as welders, electricians and plumbers, among others. This will establish NYS as a national institution of excellence to train specialised skilled workers to diploma level, and possibly to even higher levels in the future," she said.

NYS Director General Richard Ndubai said though the challenges in NYS had affected the morale of the recruits, they have been re-energised by support from Government.

The delay in the passing-out came at a time various corruption allegations were unearthed forcing the Government to change top leadership.

Over Sh791 million was allegedly lost through flawed procurement with several officers including Anne Waiguru and former Director General Nelson Githinji forced out of office.