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CS Ruku declares chronic latecomers and absentees as ‘ghost workers’ in public service
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku (left) interacts with workers during an impromptu visit to government offices in Nyeri Town on July 15, 2025.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has warned civil servants that habitual absenteeism and chronic lateness will not be tolerated in the public service, saying such workers will be treated as ghost workers.
Mr Ruku, who made an unannounced visit to government offices in Nyeri County Tuesday morning, encountered widespread lateness and absenteeism which he decried as a major hindrance to effective service delivery.
“All absentees and latecomers in the public service will be treated as ghost workers,” Mr Ruku said.
To enforce compliance, the CS said there would be strict monitoring of daily attendance, enforced through attendance registers, biometric systems and CCTV surveillance.
The minister reminded civil servants that according to the 2022 Revised Public Service Discipline Manual, consistent lateness and absenteeism attract disciplinary action including salary deductions, show-cause notices, formal reprimands ad where necessary, dismissal.
The early morning inspection caught many public officers off-guard with numerous offices found unmanned and workstations unattended.
“If you cannot keep time, you have no business being in the public service. Anyone who absconds duty or reports late will be treated as a ghost worker,” Mr Ruku told shocked employees gathered outside the Central Regional Headquarters in Nyeri.
He urged civil servants to report to work on time and provide services to the public as expected.
“The Constitution is clear. The policies are in place. There is no excuse for any level of indiscipline,” he added.
Mr Ruku said it is unfair to expect the President or Cabinet to deliver services when those employed to help achieve that goal do not show up for work.
“It is not right to say the President or the Government is not working when you are not doing your part,” he remarked.
According to the CS, the government loses billions due to laxity, poor timekeeping and absenteeism among civil servants.
“Public servants have a responsibility to create an environment where businesses can thrive, where services are delivered efficiently, and where every shilling spent counts. The government has invested heavily in you — now it's time to deliver,” Mr Ruku said.
He also urged civil servants to strictly adhere to the Performance Appraisal System (PAS), particularly in light of the just-concluded 2024/2025 financial year.
He stressed that no one including supervisors would be spared if found complicit in fostering a culture of laxity.
