Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, has reiterated the government’s commitment to improving service delivery across Kenya, with a special focus on historically marginalised regions.
Speaking during a citizen engagement forum in Embu County, CS Ruku emphasized the importance of involving local communities in shaping the future of public service. The ongoing forums, he said, are part of a nationwide initiative by the Ministry to collect citizen feedback and assess the effectiveness of government service structures.
“These engagements are critical for aligning government services with the expectations and needs of the people,” said Ruku. “They are also central to the implementation of Article 232 of the Constitution, which outlines key values and principles of public service, including equity, responsiveness, transparency, and citizen participation.”
The CS highlighted that under President William Ruto’s administration, significant progress has been made in reversing the historical exclusion of minority communities. “For far too long, minorities in Kenya have endured underdevelopment and exclusion from the national transformation agenda, but this has changed. We are now intentionally including all Kenyans in development,” he said.
Ruku noted that the interactions have not only strengthened trust between citizens and government but also provided a platform to review service delivery frameworks. He stressed the importance of decentralising services, empowering local leadership, and ensuring accountability at all levels of government.
In addition to structural reforms, the Cabinet Secretary pointed out that his Ministry is also taking a proactive approach to emergency preparedness. “We are prepared, and we will act early to prevent suffering. The government is committed to protecting vulnerable communities from the worst effects of climate-related and other emergencies,” he added.
Ruku reaffirmed the government’s goal of building a public service that is inclusive, efficient, and citizen-focused. He urged Kenyans to continue participating actively in public dialogues, assuring them that their feedback would shape policies and reforms moving forward.
The citizen participation forums will continue in other counties as part of the Ministry’s broader mission to strengthen public service delivery across the country.
