President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), urging them to uphold the highest standards of integrity or risk jeopardizing national stability. Speaking at the Kenya School of Government on June 13, Ruto emphasized that the misuse of public office through corruption, abuse of authority, or negligence threatens both public trust and national unity.
“Citizens look to you not just to implement policy but to uphold justice, fairness, and the rule of law,” Ruto stated. He underscored the critical role of administrators in safeguarding democracy and promoting equitable service delivery across the country.
The President’s address comes at a time of growing public concern over accountability in government institutions. Ruto stressed that officers must reflect the values of justice and fairness in every decision they make, warning that even a single lapse in judgment could have lasting consequences.
“This is my request to you support me on matters of national unity and in pushing for the transformation of our nation in all its aspects, because we owe it to the people of Kenya,” he said.
He called on public servants to leverage the knowledge and skills gained during their training to provide efficient, transparent, and people-centered services. Their positions, he noted, are not just administrative but deeply symbolic, representing the face of government to citizens across the country.
Ruto also emphasized the dangers of broken public trust, asserting that corruption and inefficiency not only hinder service delivery but also erode social cohesion and threaten the legitimacy of the state.
“Let your conduct inspire confidence, trust, and respect,” he told the officers. “Be the kind of public servant whose actions reinforce the legitimacy of government, uphold the dignity of the state, and strengthen the bond between citizens and their leaders.”
As calls for accountability and reform intensify, the President’s message was clear: the integrity of public service is non-negotiable and its violation risks far more than reputations. It endangers the very fabric of the nation.