Another NYS scandal wont happen, assures CS Kobia as new boss unveiled

Public Service CS Margaret Kobia has assured Kenyans that a third scandal at the National Youth Service (NYS) will not happen.

CS Kobia was speaking during the official unveiling of new Director General, former Machakos County Commissioner Matilda Sakwa on Wednesday at the NYS headquarters.

Ms. Sakwa comes in to replace embattled former NYS boss Richard Ndubai who is currently out on bond after being behind bars for a month over the Ksh.9 billion scandal.

“Let me, at the onset, apologise to Kenyans for the scandals that have been in the National Youth Service – NYS I, NYS II – which have painted a negative picture regarding the work done here,” said Kobia.

“As we stand here today, welcoming the (new) Director General, I want to assure Kenyans that National Youth Service (scandal) III will not happen under our watch.”

The CS also stated that, moving forward, any resources set aside for the National Youth Service would be used for their intended purposes.

She added that all pending bills amounting to Ksh.5.6 billion from 2013 to 2017 would be stopped with immediate effect.

Speaking during the unveiling, Ms Sakwa asked Kenyans for time to settle into her new role.

She further expressed gratitude to the government for being appointed to the position saying she is “coming to NYS to assist and also be part of that team that is going to put some sanity to this place.”

Acknowledging the tough task ahead of her, the former County Commissioner says she is not taking things for granted and is counting on the support of all staff from NYS “to assist me steer this organisation.”