Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has revealed that President William Ruto has directed a firm shift toward meritocracy in all public service appointments and promotions. Speaking during an interview with TV47, Ruku stated that the President has tasked him with ensuring that qualifications, competence, and performance are the sole determinants in hiring and career advancement across the public sector.
“The instructions which I have from the Head of Government, the President, is that meritocracy moving forward must be the norm within the public sector,” Ruku said. He noted that this approach aims to boost efficiency, accountability, and public confidence in government institutions.
Ruku acknowledged the role of the Public Service Commission (PSC) in overseeing fair hiring practices and commended its past efforts. However, he emphasized that the government would continue to reinforce mechanisms that support merit-based recruitment, while still respecting the commission’s independence.
As part of his efforts to promote transparency, Ruku disclosed that he had instructed the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) to ensure openness in their recruitment process for a new chairperson. This follows the vacancy left by the late Roseline Odede.
“I instructed them (KNCHR) that they can’t do the recruitment of the chairman of the commission in a boardroom. Let Kenyans see who you are interviewing and the qualifications of the guys who will be coming to the panel,” he said, highlighting the need for public involvement and transparency in such processes.
Ruku also addressed claims that some political leaders were issuing teacher recruitment letters outside the Teachers Service Commission (TSC)’s mandate. While stating he had not personally encountered such cases, he reaffirmed that all future teacher recruitments must adhere to meritocratic principles.
“Assuming there are such kinds of cases, we will be insisting that recruitment of teachers must be on merit basis and these are the instructions which I have from the President,” Ruku concluded.
This renewed focus on meritocracy aligns with President Ruto’s broader governance reform agenda aimed at restoring integrity, professionalism, and public trust in Kenya’s public service
