100 days of Ruku: The public service shake-up

Public Service CS Geoffrey Ruku donates food staff, mattresses and household items to flood victims in Mathere Area 4 on April 23, 2025. Edward Kiplimo, Standard] In just slightly over 100 days as Public Service Cabinet, Geoffrey Ruku has made his presence felt; equal parts reformer, disciplinarian, and empath. Appointed in April 2025 to replace Justin Muturi, Ruku transitioned from his role as Mbeere North MP with a mission to restore accountability, responsiveness, and integrity to Kenya's public service. "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," he said in April. His leadership style, experts argue, has been hands-on. From impromptu visits to public offices to rapid disaster responses, his approach is anchored to Article 232 of the Constitution, which mandates integrity, equity, and accountability in public service. "I've injected new energy and fresh blood into the public service by renewing purpose, not payroll. Public servants must work hard for the people of Kenya," he said. Cracking down on corruption One of his first major moves has been reforming the National Youth Service (NYS). Within weeks of assuming office, Ruku suspended three senior officials over corruption allegations and dismantled what he described as entrenched cartels. "There were cartels in NYS who acted with impunity, claiming close ties to the President, but now they are at home. We cannot allow impunity to thrive in public service," he said. He now envisions a self-sustaining NYS, with revenue generated from agriculture, engineering, and security services. "We want NYS weaned off government support. It can make money if well run." The ministry plans to double youth intake from 20,000 to 40,000, an ambitious effort to tackle youth unemployment. But Ruku's reforms haven't stopped there. He's made several unannounced visits to government offices across the country, locking out latecomers and reprimanding absentee staff. "Timeliness, efficiency, and citizen-centred delivery are non-negotiable. This culture of complacency must change," he said during a visit to Nakuru. He warned staff skipping duty during protests that they risk being treated as ghost workers. At the Special Programmes docket, long considered dormant, the CS says he is working to transform it into a rapid-response unit. The ministry now responds to emergencies, including fires, floods, and food crises. "In Kibra, when grieving mothers saw a minister had come on behalf of the President, it gave them hope. Relief is not just physical, it's emotional too," he recalled. Plans are also underway to expand and digitise Huduma Centres. New facilities are being rolled out across counties, including a solar-powered one in Baringo, to ensure inclusive access, especially for people with disabilities. Challenges Despite some progress, Ruku admits change won't be easy. "Systemic inefficiencies and resistance to change remain, but reforming the service won't happen overnight. We must build momentum with employment based on qualifications, not connections." He also acknowledged the low pay in government, noting that if the economy improves, public servants should be better compensated. Ruku's rising influence in the Mt Kenya region has also made him a key political ally of the President. But what distinguishes him, he says, is his visibility and accessibility. During his March vetting, he said he would not be a desk-bound CS. "I'll keep visiting government offices unannounced. Services must be provided to Kenyans in the most accessible, responsive, and timely manner. That's our duty. And I intend to fulfil it," he said.

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