NYS officers cry foul over unpaid allowances

Over 40 junior officers in the National Youth Service (NYS) band have accused their bosses of not paying their allowance's after performing in Nyeri on Madaraka Day.

The officers, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, complained their allowances had been withheld by their seniors under unclear circumstances. The 45 officers of the ranks of 'private' and 'inspector' said the allowances owed to them totaled over Sh800,000.

"Through instructions via a letter signed by Franco Njoroge for the principal secretary in the Interior Ministry, we left for Nyeri on the same day (May 29) so to familiarise ourselves with the venue ahead of the celebrations," an officer said.

 Own cash

Another officer said they used their money to pay for accommodation and food and they are yet to get a refund.

Each of the 44 officers of the rank of 'private' was supposed to get a daily allowance of Sh4,900 and a total of Sh19,600, while inspectors should have been paid Sh24,000.

"I did not get even a cent for the four days I was in Nyeri, but we fear that some seniors may be withholding our money," said an officer based at Gilgil Training College.

In a letter obtained by The Standard and signed by Franco Njoroge, the PS Interior said Madaraka Day was an important national exercise, and that in order to to have adequate time for preparation and to create publicity for the event, the band had to be facilitated to leave on Friday May 29.

Contacted for comment, NYS Director of Music Judas Karisa admitted the officers were yet to get their allowances, but assured them that they would received payment soon.