President William Ruto has called on newly appointed Cabinet Secretaries (CSs) and Principal Secretaries (PSs) to focus on delivering services to Kenyans rather than engaging in political sideshows.
Speaking during the swearing-in ceremony of two CSs and 14 PSs at State House, Nairobi, on Thursday, President Ruto emphasized the importance of staying committed to the government’s development agenda. “There is too much noise out there, but you must keep your eye on the ball. Do not be distracted,” he told the appointees.
The newly sworn-in CSs are Geoffrey Ruku (Public Service) and Hanna Wendot Cheptumo (Gender). The PSs include Boniface Barasa Makokha (Economic Planning), Carren Ageng’o Achieng (Children Welfare Services), Aden Abdi Millah (Shipping and Maritime Affairs), and others across key sectors such as youth, trade, medical services, and constitutional affairs.
President Ruto described the appointments as reflective of a broad-based and inclusive government, stating that the new leaders have a duty to serve the nation above partisan interests. “It is the coming together of the willing, not to serve the parochial interests of few leaders, but the greater good of Kenya,” he said.
The Head of State highlighted ongoing transformative programmes such as the Affordable Housing Programme, which he said has created thousands of jobs and is on course to deliver 240,000 units. He also mentioned reforms in healthcare under the Social Health Authority, the employment of 76,000 new teachers, and efforts to eliminate cartels in the agricultural sector.
He assured that the government is committed to reviving stalled infrastructure projects, with KSh60 billion recently released to pay contractors. He also reiterated plans to reform the sugar sector to benefit farmers.
Ruto urged the new leaders to serve with integrity and announced that the Conflict of Interest Bill had been sent back to Parliament for strengthening. “We must manage and eventually eliminate corruption,” he affirmed.
With public expectations high, the President concluded with a stern reminder: “Failure is not an option.”
