NYS Faces Budget Crisis As Lawmakers Push For Youth And Social Welfare Funding

The National Youth Service (NYS) has been allocated no development budget for this financial year, raising concerns over its ability to expand training and improve facilities.

Appearing before the Social Protection Committee chaired by Thika Town MP Alice Ng’ang’a, Public Service and Human Capital Development Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi said NYS development funding has been declining sharply over the years.

“NYS reported that its development budget has drastically reduced, with a zero allocation this year. This funding gap affects the expansion of technical and vocational training for service members. Facilities such as barracks, classrooms, and workshops remain in poor condition and are inadequate to meet demand,” he said.

Lawmakers called for increased awareness among the youth about the benefits of joining NYS. MP Barre Hussein emphasized that the Committee recognizes NYS’s positive impact on young people and families and pledged full support to secure more funding.

The Committee also directed Principal Secretary Joseph Motari (State Department for Social Protection & Senior Citizens Affairs) to ensure all 620,000 beneficiaries from the 2023 Inua Jamii registration receive their funds. Lawmakers further urged the PS to conduct a fresh enrollment for new eligible beneficiaries.

Motari confirmed that the transition to E-Citizen and M-Pesa platforms has been fully implemented, saving the government over Sh1.2 billion annually in transaction costs. He advised beneficiaries seeking assistance to use the free toll line 1533 or Safaricom’s 100 helpline.

Additionally, the PS was tasked with improving service delivery and accessibility of the National Development Fund for Persons with Disabilities at the constituency level. Members raised concerns over reduced funding for the Child Welfare Society, stressing the need to protect vulnerable children.

“Budget cuts should not affect basic human needs such as food, shelter, and education for vulnerable children,” said MP Ng’ang’a.

The Committee also engaged Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe (State Department for Gender & Affirmative Action) on gender-related issues. MP Suleka Hulbale urged the Ministry to strengthen support for Anti-FGM programs, while MP Dr. Lilian Gogo reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to gender mainstreaming in policies and community projects.

MP Edith Nyenze stressed the need for tangible progress ahead of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration on Gender Equality. Lawmakers praised PS Wang’ombe’s advocacy against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and femicide, encouraging continued efforts in tackling these issues.

The National Gender and Equality Commission (NGEC), led by Chairperson Rehema Jaldesa and Commission Secretary Dr. Purity Ngina, outlined plans to expand its regional presence and intensify efforts against GBV and femicide.

Meanwhile, lawmakers urged Principal Secretary Ismail Madey (State Department for Youth Affairs & Creative Economy) to enhance the visibility of youth empowerment programs, particularly for young creatives and entrepreneurs. They called for stronger initiatives to support Kenya’s growing creative economy and job creation efforts for the youth.