Ruto: Cabinet Secretaries must take responsibility, no room for excuses

President William Ruto. [State House, X]

President William Ruto on Tuesday, November 19, oversaw the signing of fresh performance contracts for all Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) and Principal Secretaries (PSs) at State House, Nairobi.

Ruto urged the public officials to meet targets outlined in their contracts during their tenure, stressing that adherence to the performance agreements is critical.

"This function is not just part of the traditions and practices of our public sector; it has its foundations in the constitution, which, besides national values and principles of governance, has entire chapters devoted to public service as well as leadership and integrity," said Ruto.

The annual exercise comes amid pressure on the Kenya Kwanza administration to deliver on its election promises.

 The President also noted that public servants are held accountable through Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

"I expect each Cabinet Secretary to take personal responsibility for achieving the targets outlined in their ministry’s contracts. There is no room for excuses, delay or failure," he added.

"Accountability must cascade through all levels of ministries, departments, and agencies to individual officers."

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who also serves as CS for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, signed three contracts, in line with his role as acting CS for the Interior and Gender, Culture, Arts & Heritage ministries.

Ruto also defended the transition of the National Hospital Insurance Fund to SHA, reiterating the Kenya Kwanza healthcare reform agenda to establish Universal Health Coverage in Kenya.

"I promise you we will confound the naysayers; we will succeed. This great nation that God has given us will succeed. The enemies of Kenya will be put to shame," Ruto noted.