Cabinet Secretary Nominee for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, has pledged to serve the nation diligently and impartially if approved by Parliament. Ruku, the Member of Parliament for Mbeere North, appeared before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments on Monday, where he outlined his vision for a more inclusive and efficient public service sector.
Ruku emphasized his commitment to upholding the Constitution, particularly Article 232, which calls for representation of Kenya’s diversity in public appointments. “I will serve the Republic of Kenya without fear or favour. On the issues of employment, the face of Kenya must be seen,” he stated. He promised to ensure equitable distribution of opportunities across all regions and communities.
He further outlined his plan to revolutionize employment and public service operations through digital innovation. Central to his strategy is the implementation of a time-sheet system for public officers. This, he said, would not only improve accountability and productivity but also foster seamless communication among government institutions. “The timesheet is an extremely important component moving forward,” Ruku noted, adding that a unified digital system will help streamline how civil servants report and collaborate.
In addition to addressing unemployment, Ruku promised to create a conducive environment for entrepreneurship and business development. “I will create an enabling environment for employment and even business,” he said.
President William Ruto nominated Ruku on March 26, 2025, following the dismissal of former CS Justin Muturi after a reported fallout with the President. At 45, Ruku brings experience and resilience to the table, having previously contested unsuccessfully in 2013 and 2017 before clinching the Mbeere North parliamentary seat in 2022 under the Democratic Party (DP) banner.
A known ally of President Ruto, Ruku garnered 17,069 votes in the last general election, overcoming three rivals to secure the seat. His nomination is seen as part of Ruto’s continued efforts to consolidate his Cabinet and implement his public service reform agenda.
If approved, Ruku will face the challenge of addressing widespread unemployment and revamping Kenya’s public service sector to deliver more efficiently and inclusively.
