CS Geoffrey Ruku Urges Kenya Red Cross to Pursue Green Climate Fund Accreditation for Climate-Responsive First Aid Initiatives
Ruku recalled that during his tenure as a Member of Parliament, he had initially proposed the idea of GCF accreditation to the Society, but it was not fully embraced.
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku. Photo/Nairobi News.
By Juliet Jerotich
Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, has urged the Kenya Red Cross Society to seek accreditation from the Green Climate Fund (GCF) in order to strengthen its capacity to respond to climate-induced emergencies and build resilient communities across the country.
Addressing attendees during the 2025 World First Aid Day celebrations at the National First Aid Competition in Nairobi, Ruku emphasized the strategic importance of aligning the Kenya Red Cross with global climate financing mechanisms.
This year’s event carried the theme, “First Aid and Climate Change”, focusing on the urgent need to adapt emergency response systems to the growing threat of climate-related disasters such as floods, droughts, and landslides.
Ruku recalled that during his tenure as a Member of Parliament, he had initially proposed the idea of GCF accreditation to the Society, but it was not fully embraced.
“Perhaps the concept wasn’t clearly understood then,” he remarked. “But as the current Minister for Special Programmes, I am reiterating that securing this accreditation is crucial for the Kenya Red Cross.”
He highlighted the GCF’s role as the world’s largest source of climate financing, supporting developing nations through partnerships, flexible funding, and expertise in climate resilience investments. He stressed that the fund’s support could greatly enhance Kenya’s capacity to respond to disasters in a sustainable and coordinated manner.
The Cabinet Secretary also urged humanitarian agencies to develop an integrated and cost-effective emergency preparedness framework. “We must work together to reduce operational redundancies and better coordinate our efforts in supporting climate-affected communities,” he said.
To this end, CS Ruku announced that the State Department for Special Programmes would convene a multi-agency forum to harmonize disaster preparedness efforts nationwide, in line with Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, which places disaster response under the department’s purview.
He further encouraged collaboration between the Kenya Red Cross and the Global Center for Adaptation (GCA), currently under construction at the Kenya School of Government. According to Ruku, the GCA will serve as a key hub for research, policy development, and innovation in climate adaptation.
“Partnering with the GCA will enable the Kenya Red Cross to expand its reach across all 47 counties and deliver citizen-driven climate solutions that enhance sustainability and community resilience,” he added.
Ruku also called on the Society to work alongside the Kenya School of Government on Continuous Professional Development (CPD) initiatives, and to engage in joint training and emergency drills with the National Youth Service (NYS) and the State Department for Special Programmes.
Later, the CS visited victims of the Mukuru Kwa Njenga fire tragedy, delivering a message of support on behalf of President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration. He reassured affected families that the government remains fully committed to their safety and recovery.
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