Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has called on Kenyans to enroll in professional training programs at the Kenya School of Government (KSG) to help foster national development and efficient service delivery.
Speaking during the ‘Huduma Smart Serikalini’ outreach event in Ijarajara, Balambala Constituency, Garissa County, CS Ruku highlighted the importance of a well-trained workforce, urging citizens especially those in the private sector to take advantage of courses offered at KSG campuses in Nairobi, Mombasa, Baringo, Embu, and Matuga.
“These professional courses equip individuals with critical skills for national transformation,” said Ruku. He noted that the outreach brought essential services closer to residents, with mobile tents from Huduma Kenya, KSG, and the National Youth Service (NYS) offering public services.
Residents praised the recent reforms, including the elimination of the vetting process for national ID applications. CS Ruku reaffirmed the government’s commitment to citizen-centered service delivery, aligned with Article 232 of the Constitution, and announced that a newly gazetted sub-county would soon operationalize services in the region.
On health, Ruku encouraged locals to register for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), calling it vital for achieving universal health coverage. “Every Kenyan deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare. SHIF is how we achieve that,” he said.
The CS also revealed plans to expand NYS intake from 20,000 to 40,000, aiming to reach 100,000 annually in the long term. He outlined efforts to commercialize NYS projects and announced a new NYS-led initiative to unclog the River Tana and begin rice farming to enhance food security.
Road upgrades in the area, including the 110-kilometre Garissa–Balambala road and Rohe Road, are also being fast-tracked. CS Ruku distributed relief food to flood-affected families and promised last-mile electricity connections to support rice farmers with modern machinery.
Accompanied by local MPs and leaders, CS Ruku’s visit marked a unified government approach to improving livelihoods and public service access in Garissa County.
