The Ruku reaffirmed the commitment of food security for ASAL regions, unifying and supporting Kindiki on Mt Kenya leadership.
It is critical to manage preservation of livestock through drought periods as this greatly enhances household incomes as well as income stability over the long term.
Public Service Cabinet Secretary (CS) Geoffrey Ruku. Photo/Courtesy.
By Ruth Sang
Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku reassured residents of Marsabit County and other arid and semi-arid lands (ASALs) that the government is strongly behind food security and livelihoods protection in dry areas.
The food and cultural festival was held in Marsabit at Tokumma Food and Cultural Festival 2025. According to CS Ruku, the Kenya Kwanza administration has set forth exceptional systems which ensure that not a single Kenyan goes hungry – even at the areas that experience prolonged dry spells. Food security has been indicated by the speaker as a priority in the government, especially for at-risk communities.
Ruku observed that the government possesses enough strategic food reserves for vulnerable populations, and he urged local administrators to keep their vigilance and proactiveness. He called on chiefs, county officials, and other leaders to report any shortages in food availability immediately so as to provide space for the fast response in the case of emergencies.
According to him, apart from food, the government has clear and intentional plans to safeguard livestock, which are central to the livelihood of those who live within ASAL areas. It is critical to manage preservation of livestock through drought periods as this greatly enhances household incomes as well as income stability over the long term.
Ruku reiterated that President William Ruto continues to roll out development initiatives in a manner that is calculated and focused, entering progressively into fulfilling the Kenya Kwanza manifesto. He asked residents to keep the government under their good graces, saying that unity and cooperation between citizens and leadership will fast-track development in historically marginalized regions.
He outlined the ongoing and planned initiatives for service delivery as well as generating more opportunities for economic advancement. The CS revealed further that the government is committed to seeing that development occurs equitably across the country, noting Huduma Centres’ role in bringing services close to citizens through the government. Residents were assured that the administration continues to be committed to making public services more efficient, accessible and seamless.
At the national politics scene, Ruku added his voice into the burgeoning leadership drama unfolding within the Mt Kenya region. He indicated that leaders from Mt Kenya West should support their counterparts from Mt Kenya East, arguing that transitions in leadership should be based on unity, fairness, and inclusivity.
He said Mt Kenya is home to many communities and that leadership should not be monopolized by one group. According to Ruku, Mt Kenya East has historically rallied behind leaders from Mt Kenya West, and it is now time for the region to reciprocate in the spirit of balance and cohesion.
Ruku called upon the leaders and the people of Mt Kenya East to rally behind the Deputy President Prof Kithure Kindiki, whom he trolled as the most senior government leader yet from the region. Ruku said Prof Kindiki has strong national standing and credible chances of succeeding President Ruto in 2032 if the region is united.
“We have Prof Kithure Kindiki, and we should stand with him. With unity and focus, he will be President of Kenya in 2032,” Ruku said.
The CS also took a swipe at DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua, saying he was into politics of blockading those allied to President Ruto instead of propagating the country’s development agenda.
The Tokumma Food and Cultural Festival 2025 unified the 14 communities existing within Marsabit under a theme *”Unity in Diversity, Celebrating Cultures through Food and Peace.”* It showcased the different traditional foods, attires, music, and dances, while creating a space for discussions on peaceful co-existence and the elimination of harmful practices such as female genital mutilation, early marriage, and gender-based violence.
About Author
