Ruku defends development tours, says CSs must engage citizens

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has defended his inspection tours of government projects, saying Cabinet Secretaries must be actively involved in monitoring development and engaging citizens.

Ruku said public participation is central to President William Ruto’s administration, as it ensures Kenyans understand and take ownership of ongoing projects.

“It is the duty of all leaders to ensure that resources are used prudently and for the benefit of taxpayers. That’s the instruction from President William Ruto, who is keen on ensuring Kenyans feel the impact of the taxes they pay,” said Ruku.

He spoke in Embu County during the commissioning of new infrastructure in schools, where he urged civil servants to uphold transparency and accountability in resource utilization, particularly in education.

“Many schools in marginalised areas still lack proper classrooms and facilities. We must address this if we want children to learn in a conducive environment,” he said.

The CS dismissed criticism of his tours, arguing that leadership should not be confined to Nairobi offices.

“Having a flag doesn’t benefit the common man if I remain in the capital. I must be on the ground working for Kenyans,” he said.

Ruku outlined several ongoing government projects, including road upgrades, water and irrigation schemes, and rural electrification, noting that over 600 households were connected to electricity last year, with a target of 1,200 in the current financial year.

He said the government has already invested nearly Ksh 5 billion in infrastructure in the region.

He further criticised opposition leaders for focusing on empty rhetoric instead of tangible development, insisting that citizens are more concerned with results than political quarrels.

“This is a government of the people, by the people, and for economic transformation. Kenyans must not be misled into abandoning progress for empty promises,” Ruku said.