CS Ruku Defends Development Tours, Emphasizes Citizen Outreach
Ruku dismissed claims that his many field trips are not needed, asserting that true leadership cannot be anchored in Nairobi offices.
Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has defended his regular tours across the nation to visit government projects, Photo/ Courtesy
By Juliet Jerotich
Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has defended his regular tours across the nation to visit government projects, citing that Cabinet Secretaries must be proactive in overseeing development projects and maintaining direct dialogue with citizens.
According to Ruku, President William Ruto‘s administration is greatly invested in public participation, which he referred to as a pillar of good governance. He went further to argue that involving communities in implementing projects not only increases transparency but also allows Kenyans to understand and take responsibility for government programmes.
It is the responsibility of leaders to safeguard public funds and make sure that each shilling is utilized prudently for the good of the taxpayer. That is the clear directive from President Ruto, who is interested in making the people feel their taxes,” he stated.
Speaking to the people of Embu County during the commissioning of newly constructed school buildings, the CS appealed to civil servants to embrace accountability and integrity in the use of public funds. He further noted that most of the schools in poor communities still lack serious shortages of classrooms and other basic infrastructure, thus making children’s studies difficult in a proper environment.
Ruku dismissed claims that his many field trips are not needed, asserting that true leadership cannot be anchored in Nairobi offices. “A flag in the car is nothing if a leader stays idle in the capital. We must be in the field, serving with and for the people,” he added.
Highlighting the projects done by the government, Ruku enumerated projects being undertaken such as upgrading road programs, rural electrification, and irrigation schemes. He explained that over 600 homes had been electrified during the previous financial year, and plans were to double it in the current financial year. He further revealed that almost Ksh 5 billion had already been invested in infrastructure in the region.
The CS also blamed opposition leaders for caring more about political rhetoric than actual development. He reminded Kenyans that it matters to have actual progress, not rhetoric political exchanges. “This government is focused on transformation and results. Citizens should not be diverted by vain promises at the cost of actual progress,” he concluded.
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