Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, undertook a firm and unprecedented crackdown on public sector indiscipline.

The CS made an unannounced visit to government offices in Nyeri County where he uncovered widespread cases of absenteeism and late reporting among civil servants.

The early morning inspection caught many public officers off guard, with numerous offices found unmanned and workstations unattended.

In a swift response, CS Ruku ordered all latecomers locked out, declaring it the beginning of a new era of accountability in public service.

“If you cannot keep time, you have no business being in the public service. Anyone who absconds duty or reports late will be treated as a ghost worker,” Ruku told shocked employees gathered outside the Central Regional Headquarters in Nyeri.

CS Ruku condemned the widespread disregard for official working hours, calling it a betrayal of public trust and a waste of taxpayer resources.

He reminded civil servants that they are stewards of service delivery and must uphold the highest standards of discipline, professionalism, and integrity.

Citing Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution, Ruku underscored the non-negotiable values of patriotism, transparency, and efficient use of public resources.

“The Constitution is clear. The policies are in place. There is no excuse for any level of indiscipline,” he said, adding that it was unacceptable for public servants to expect the President or Cabinet to deliver services on their behalf while they themselves failed to report to work on time.

“It is not right to say the President or the Government is not working when you are not doing your part,” he remarked.

The CS expressed concern over the economic cost of inefficiency in the public sector, noting that laxity, poor timekeeping, and absenteeism contribute to losses amounting to billions of shillings each year.

These inefficiencies, he said, not only hinder service delivery but also erode investor confidence and slow national development.

“Public servants have a responsibility to create an environment where businesses can thrive, where services are delivered efficiently, and where every shilling spent counts. Government has invested heavily in you, now it’s time to deliver,” he added.

Looking ahead, Ruku said supervisors and departmental heads will be held personally accountable for enforcing discipline and ensuring performance within their teams.

He emphasized the need for adherence to the Performance Appraisal System (PAS), particularly in light of the just-concluded 2024/2025 financial year, insisting that accountability must begin at the top.

To enforce compliance, the CS proposed stricter attendance monitoring through daily registers, biometric systems, and CCTV surveillance, though he cautioned that such measures would impose additional costs on the government.

He urged officers to embrace self-discipline to avoid the need for such interventions. Referring to the 2022 Revised Public Service Discipline Manual, Ruku reiterated that consistent lateness and absenteeism will attract disciplinary action, including salary deductions, show-cause notices, formal reprimands, and, where necessary, dismissal.

He stressed that no one, including supervisors, would be spared if found complicit in fostering a culture of laxity.

Recognizing that not all cases of absenteeism stem from negligence, the CS said the Ministry would roll out mental health support and counselling programs to assist staff dealing with personal challenges.

In addition, an employee satisfaction survey will be conducted to identify root causes of demotivation and workplace inefficiencies.

Ruku concluded by assuring Kenyans that this was only the beginning of a broader nationwide effort to reform the public service. More surprise inspections are planned across counties, aimed at instilling a culture of performance, discipline, and public trust.

“This behavior must stop. We are serious about public service reform, and we will take all necessary action-up to and including dismissal, to ensure Kenyans receive the service they deserve,” he warned.

He urged all civil servants to recommit to the ideals of patriotism, responsibility, and hard work, reminding them that they serve at the pleasure of the Kenyan people. “Let us rise to the occasion. Let us do what we are employed to do.” He Stated.

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