State officers must change mentality and serve Kenyans

President William Ruto in company of his deputy Rigathi Gachagua and Prime Cabinet secretary Musalia Mudavadi pose for a photo with governors during the Inaugural Retreat for Cabinet and Senior Ranks of the Executive at Fairmount Mt Kenya Safari Club in Laikipia County on January 7, 2023. [Kibata Kihu, Standard]

President William Ruto has read the riot act to his Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries during the first retreat with top government officials. The president told them that it will not be business as usual.

During the four-day retreat in Nanyuki that comes to a close today, he warned against wastage in government, laziness and poor time management. We applaud his move to turn away three PSs who came to one of the sessions late.

In the past, government officials have been known to report to their offices to take tea and mandazi then disappear into thin air and place their jackets or handbags on their chairs.

After the Nyeri retreat, we believe the CSs, PSs and presidential advisors will return to Nairobi with new impetus and resolve to deliver government projects and service to wananchi.

The retreat was to review the Kenya Kwanza administration's performance in the first 100 days, create synergy in the executive and outline each ministry's priorities and draw an implementation roadmap.

The CSs and high ranks of the executive also listened to experts and colleagues with long experience in government such as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, National Security Advisor Monica Juma, former Chief Justice David Maraga and former Attorney General Githu Muigai, who expounded on various aspects of government.

This was good exposure to CSs and PSs who joined government for the first time and will help them avoid goofs witnessed recently.

For instance, they were taken through structures and protocols of government bureaucracy as well as how information should flow from the government to citizens. We hope the new teamwork will minimise instances were government officers work at cross purposes as was witnessed in GMO maize imports debate with two CSs reading from different scripts.

In the past, we have seen Cabinet retreats sounding good to the ear, but shortly after it is business as usual.

Kenyans hope this time around it will not be the same. The CSs and other executives should take a cue from President Ruto's determination to ensure discipline and efficiency.

The President was also clear that they should ensure prudent use of public resources. He, for instance, told them to avoid holding functions in four-star hotels and asked those who tagged along their aides and support staff to foot their accommodation and meals expenses.

Kenyans are faced with many problems including high cost of living, an ailing economy, poverty, youth unemployment, insecurity and poor delivery of services. They are looking upon the government to provide solutions, including quick fixes where possible. Time for political rhetoric and pointing fingers is over for the Kenya Kwanza administration.