President William Ruto's government plan to establish a commercial branch within the National Youth Service (NYS) has sparked intense debate in the Senate. Senators have questioned its viability and corruption risks, given the agency's scandal-ridden history. Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku has defended the initiative as sustainable and transparent.
On November 13, 2025, Public Service Minister Geoffrey Ruku appeared before the Senate Committee to explain the government's plan to register NYS Enterprise and Services. This public company will serve as NYS's commercial arm, aiming to generate at least Sh4 billion annually through activities like construction, agriculture, crop processing, manufacturing, hotel services, and security. It will partner with the private sector in technology and market access.
According to Ruku, the company will be owned 99% by NYS and 1% by the Ministry of Finance, with management separate from NYS. The government spends about Sh10 billion yearly on youth training, with enrollment expected to rise from 18,000 currently to 40,000 in January 2026 and 100,000 by 2027. “Government resources are scarce, and training costs are high. We need innovation to secure funds for these programs,” Ruku said.
However, Migori Senator Eddy Oketch questioned, “I don't understand why the government should do business itself. Is this plan real? This is nonsense.” Elected Senator Consolata Nabwire doubted NYS's sustainable revenue plan. Mombasa Senator Mohamed Faki compared it to the failed NYS bus projects of the 1980s and 1990s, asking why the government would undertake private sector roles.
Ruku cited Section 7(1)(d) of the 2018 NYS Act allowing commercial activities. Senators Esther Okenyuri and Karen Nyamu inquired about anti-corruption measures. Ruku stated the government has implemented rules for transparency and sound financial management, emphasizing that “the era of NYS corruption is over.”