Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku on Monday conducted a surprise early morning visit to the Rift Valley regional headquarters in a bold move to address laxity among public servants. Arriving promptly at 8 a.m., CS Ruku instructed security officers to lock the main gates, effectively barring late-arriving staff from accessing the premises.
The unannounced inspection painted a grim picture of absenteeism and poor punctuality in government offices. Ruku found several offices locked and those that were open sparsely staffed. “I have been to most of these offices, and they are empty. It’s almost the same story across the country,” he remarked.
CS Ruku expressed concern that such a work ethic could jeopardize the government’s ability to deliver on its promises to Kenyans. “The people of Kenya are demanding a lot from the government, beginning with the President to civil servants. The President cannot sit in all these offices. He depends on you to ensure services are delivered efficiently,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of upholding the values and principles enshrined in Article 232 of the Constitution, which calls for high standards of professional ethics, timely service delivery, and efficient use of resources. Ruku stressed that a change in attitude and commitment among public servants was essential if the government was to meet the expectations of the citizens.
While acknowledging existing challenges in public service, including inadequate training and low motivation, the CS assured that the government is working on a policy proposal—soon to be discussed in Cabinet—that aims to bring transformational reforms in the sector.
Ruku commended a few departments, including the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), the Regional Coordinator of Probation, the Immigration Office, and the Regional Surveyor, for their punctuality. Interestingly, in many other offices, only interns and staff on attachment were found to have arrived on time.
The surprise visit sent a strong message: laxity and indiscipline will not be tolerated in the public service. “We must do what is right,” Ruku concluded, underscoring his commitment to reviving a results-driven work culture across the government.
