MYS Launched Amid Questions Over Policy, Funding, and Governance

By Martin Masai
Editor & Publisher, The Anchor
theanchormedia.org

Machakos County has witnessed the historic launch of the Machakos Youth Empowerment Programme now known as Machakos Youth Service(MYS)

It’s proponents say they aim at equipping the youth with essential life skills to navigate 21st-century challenges by first instilling them with ‘patriotic and paramilitary skills’

The program unveiled by Governor Wavinya Ndeti at New Machakos City on Friday, January 17,2025, claims to instil discipline, teamwork, patriotism, time management, and self-esteem among the youth.

Ironically, those listed as trainers are among others, members of the notorious Inspectorate unit who were used to assault Kalama Ward MCA Jonathan Maeke.

The first cohort of 1,000 youths has been enrolled and will undergo paramilitary training, followed by a four-month vocational skills program.

Governor Wavinya expressed confidence in the program’s potential to empower young people by shaping their character, discipline, and understanding of societal roles.

However, cracks in the foundation of the ambitious program emerged during the launch, raising concerns over its governance, funding, and structure.

The Anchor’s investigations uncovered several gaps and unanswered questions, prompting a closer look at the initiative.

Governance and Leadership

The Machakos Youth Service has no substantive CEO,  Board of Directors, or  a clear staff establishment. The proposed pioneer director, Mr Oscar Mutie, has not taken up the appointment. His replacement was not evident at the launch, and the service may run   like a headless chicken from its inception.

The MYS organogram is yet to be finalized, and its policy remains stalled in the Machakos County Assembly.

Key officials at the launch, including Education Minister Consolata Mutisya and the Chief Officer, Dr. Juliana Wambua appeared in inspectorate uniforms, sparking instant confusion over their conscription into the County Inspectorate.

Director of Inspectorate Pauline Muoki is reportedly heading the women’s barracks, while Ex-Councilor Judah Mumo aka Ivia, now Director of Administration in the devolution department, leads the male barracks.

None of them bears the requisite capability to run a dormitory – let alone a designated barack.

Questions persist over the competitive recruitment process for equipment, food stuff, recruits, and officials, with no clear answers provided. The entire mobilisation of MYS is resplendent with abandon impunity, actions that require the immediate attention of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

Every official we contacted- from the minister, Chief Officer for Communications Charles Mutinda to the County Secretary Dr Muya Ndambuki-, did not provide any substantive response.

While the CS referred The Anchor to the department of education, Mr Mutinda said he had no information whatsoever. The minister maintained dead silence.

Funding and Resource Allocation
The program’s funding framework is unclear, with reports suggesting that resources were diverted from other county departments. Premises were donated by the Agriculture Department, while tracksuits and uniforms were procured by the Youth and Sports Department. Beds were borrowed from Machakos School to accommodate recruits, raising sustainability concerns.

Recruitment and Enrollment Woes

The last-minute conscription of 700 recruits to replace an equal number mistakenly recruited highlighted logistical challenges.

Katangi and Ikombe wards has no representation in the program. The chaotic recruitment process has raised doubts about the inclusivity and transparency of the initiative.

Critical Questions Unanswered

Attempts by The Anchor to obtain clarification from the relevant county officials were met with silence.

Efforts to reach Education Minister Consolata Mutisya and Dr.  Ndambuki for answers regarding the governance structure, funding, and purpose of paramilitary training have been unfruitful on each occasion.

Among the key questions raised:
What is the governance and policy framework for the MYS?
Why is paramilitary training prioritized, and what is the end goal?
Who supplied foodstuff for the program, and what was the procurement process?
Why were officials dressed in inspectorate uniforms during the launch?

Sustainability Concerns

The program’s long-term viability is in doubt, with critics warning it may become a financial burden for the county.

Costs associated with food, toiletries, lodging, utilities, security, and administration for the recruits are projected to overwhelm the county’s budget.

Skeptics have dubbed the program “Wavinya’s Army,”  questioning whether the initiative’s outcomes justify the investment.

Recruits are expected to undergo three weeks of paramilitary drills before being sent to vocational training centers, raising doubts about the practical impact of their training.

As Machakos County celebrates this ambitious launch, unanswered questions and governance issues cast a shadow over the program’s future. The Anchor will continue to seek clarity and hold county officials accountable as the MYS unfolds.