Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku is marking 100 days in office today, with a mixed bag of achievements and persistent challenges.
He joined the 13th Parliament after winning the Mbeere North seat in the August 2022 General Election on a Democratic Party ticket, garnering 17,069 votes.
In an interview with Nation , Mr Ruku reflected on the steep learning curve of moving from Parliament to the Executive, where he now grapples with the realities civil servants face daily.
“I used to be on the other side, telling the government what to do. Now I’m the one being told what to do. It’s an assignment the President has entrusted me with, and I won’t let him down,” said Mr Ruku.
He added, “You can't measure achievement in just 100 days, but together with the President as our captain, we have made significant strides.”
Mr Ruku said one of his key focus areas has been the transformation of the National Youth Service (NYS). He claims to have dismantled powerful cartels within the institution and taken disciplinary action against errant officers.
“There were cartels at NYS who acted with impunity, claiming close ties to the President. But I have already sent home three officers on the recommendation of the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC),” he said.
He has also set in motion a plan to double NYS intake from the current 20,000 to 40,000, saying this will help curb youth unemployment.
On disaster response, Mr Ruku said the Special Programmes department is now more vibrant and proactive.
“Wherever there’s a fire outbreak or any calamity, the government responds promptly with essential supplies—blankets, mattresses, food and even rental assistance,” he said.
He noted that the government is now developing proactive mechanisms for disaster preparedness, rather than merely reacting.
The CS said he plans to expand Huduma Centres nationwide to bring government services closer to the people.
Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku reprimands government workers in Nakuru for reporting late to work
“These centres have proven efficient. We want more of them operationalised across all counties,” he said.
The CS has also focused on enforcing discipline in the civil service by making impromptu visits to public offices in Nakuru, Nyeri, Mombasa and Nairobi, where he says he encountered widespread lateness and absenteeism.
“In Nakuru, Nyeri and Mombasa, many civil servants were locked out for coming late. This culture must change,” he said.
CS Geoffrey Ruku urges Red Cross to seek green fund nod
He has urged civil servants to emulate President William Ruto and his deputy Prof. Kithure Kindiki, whom he praised for their dedication to service.
“We must provide efficient, cost-effective and timely services, and ensure inclusivity for Persons with Disabilities,” said Mr Ruku.
Mr Ruku also acknowledged that many public servants are underpaid compared to their private-sector counterparts, despite serving over 55 million Kenyans.
“We have about one million public servants. If the economy improves, we must consider better pay for them,” he said.
During his vetting in March, Mr Ruku had promised to serve all Kenyans equally and uphold Article 232 of the Constitution, which emphasises values such as professionalism, equity, and inclusivity in public service.
“I don't want to be a desk-bound CS. I’ll keep visiting government offices unannounced to get first-hand information,” he said.
