CS Ruku orders disciplinary action against absentee State employees
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service Geoffrey Ruku has directed human resource managers across the public service to take firm disciplinary action against officers who report late, abscond from duty, or fail to deliver services in accordance with Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
The CS said Article 10 outlines the national values and principles of governance, including integrity, transparency, accountability, good governance, equity, inclusiveness and public participation, while Article 232 sets out the values and principles of public service.
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These include professionalism, efficient and effective use of public resources, prompt and equitable service delivery, accountability, transparency and merit-based appointments, all aimed at ensuring public servants serve the public interest.
Speaking during an impromptu inspection of regional government offices in Kisumu County on Thursday, January 29, 2026, Ruku said the public service is the gateway to government services and must deliver fairly, effectively and efficiently.
He noted that lateness and absenteeism directly undermine service delivery and leave citizens waiting unnecessarily.
“Punctuality in the public service is not optional. When officers report late, citizens suffer through delayed services,” Ruku said, adding that disciplinary measures must be applied in accordance with the human resource procedures and manual of 2016.
The Cabinet Secretary instructed human resources managers to strictly enforce existing attendance and conduct regulations in government offices.
He further directed officers handling public enquiries to ensure all official emails and contact lines are functional and that responses to citizens are timely.
Ruku said many public complaints arise from unanswered enquiries, noting that he will require monthly reports on citizen feedback and customer enquiries to enhance accountability and responsiveness across government offices.
“If emails and contact lines are not working, they should be struck off. Citizens must be able to reach government offices and receive feedback,” he said.
During the visit, the CS commended officers at the Immigration Department and the Huduma Centre for reporting to work on time and beginning service delivery early.
However, the surprise inspection exposed laxity in other sections after he ordered the gates closed, locking out several officers who had reported late.
Addressing staff after touring various government offices, Ruku said Kenyans pay taxes and therefore expect timely, efficient and effective service delivery.
He also praised an intern with a disability who arrived early to work, noting that many interns demonstrate high levels of dedication.
The CS expressed concern that, in some offices, interns report earlier than permanent staff, calling the trend unacceptable.
He said he would advocate for the intern’s absorption into the public service through the Public Service Commission, adding that permanent staff should be mentoring interns.
Ruku further disclosed that as the government continues to streamline the public service payroll, a new performance management system is being finalised and is expected to be rolled out in April.
The system will monitor performance, absenteeism and lateness to ensure compliance with the Constitution of Kenya, 2010.
He also referenced concerns raised by Members of Parliament during the Naivasha retreat, where several government offices were criticised for poor service delivery, noting that these complaints highlight urgent gaps that must be addressed.
