Audit-NYS cannot account for 1B
An audit of the National Youth Service (NYS) has revealed a financial discrepancy of over Sh1 billion, sparking widespread concern and calls for accountability within the government. The audit, conducted by the Auditor General’s office, has uncovered significant gaps in the documentation and management of funds, raising questions about the efficacy of financial oversight within the agency.
The report, which was presented to Parliament on Monday, highlighted that the NYS could not account for Sh1.1 billion in expenditures. “The audit revealed that Sh1,104,234,567 was unaccounted for, with no proper documentation to justify the expenses,” stated the Auditor General, Nancy Gathungu. This figure represents a substantial portion of the NYS budget, which is intended to support youth employment and training programs across the country.
The findings have ignited a firestorm of reactions from lawmakers and the public alike. Members of Parliament have demanded immediate action to address the financial mismanagement. “This is a clear indication of gross negligence and corruption within the NYS,” said John Mbadi, the Minority Leader in Parliament. “We cannot allow such blatant misuse of public funds to go unpunished.”
The audit also uncovered several instances of irregular procurement processes and payments for goods and services that were never delivered. “Our investigation found numerous cases where payments were made without any supporting documents, and in some instances, there were no contracts in place,” the report noted. These irregularities point to systemic issues within the NYS’s financial management practices.
In response to the audit, the Director General of the NYS, Matilda Sakwa, pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and take necessary measures to rectify the situation. “We are committed to transparency and accountability, and we will ensure that those responsible for these discrepancies are held accountable,” she said. Sakwa also announced the formation of an internal task force to review the audit findings and implement corrective actions.
Public reaction to the audit report has been one of outrage and disappointment. Many Kenyans have taken to social media to express their frustration with the persistent issues of corruption and mismanagement in government institutions. “This is yet another example of how our leaders are failing us,” tweeted one user. “We need real change and accountability, not just empty promises.”
As the investigation continues, there is growing pressure on the government to implement stronger oversight mechanisms to prevent such discrepancies in the future. The Auditor General’s report serves as a stark reminder of the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, particularly in agencies tasked with critical national programs like the NYS.
The Parliament is expected to debate the audit findings in the coming weeks, and there are calls for a comprehensive overhaul of the NYS’s financial management systems. “This is a wake-up call for all government agencies,” said MP Gladys Wanga. “We must ensure that public funds are used for their intended purpose and that those entrusted with these funds are held to the highest standards of accountability.”