Govt to Launch App to Track Public Servants' Punctuality

Speaking during an impromptu early-morning visit to government offices in Embu town, CS Ruku said the move is part of ongoing reforms aimed at instilling discipline, accountability, and honesty within the public service. “We must up our game to serve the people,” he remarked, stressing that laxity and lateness will no longer be tolerated in government offices.

The CS noted that his team is working around the clock to perfect the application, which he described as a game changer in monitoring productivity and curbing absenteeism. He emphasized that the private sector, especially small and medium enterprises, depends heavily on timely government services, and any delays directly undermine the economy.

Drawing a contrast between public and private sectors, Ruku shared his morning experience on Thika Road, where he observed heavy traffic at 6 a.m. “That tells you most people in the private sector are already heading to work early. They know for their businesses to thrive, they need to work very, very hard. Government officers must match this energy if we are to transform our nation,” he said.

His surprise tour exposed glaring gaps in punctuality. While Huduma Centre and the Immigration Department impressed him with timely reporting, other offices painted a different picture. At the Lands Department, only one officer and a cleaner had arrived by the time of his inspection. “We cannot allow such negligence. We must be responsible,” the CS said firmly.

The Cabinet Secretary also took the opportunity to urge public servants to adhere to the Human Resource Procedures and Manual of 2016, which outlines expectations on professionalism, work ethics, and performance. He warned that the government will not entertain lax attitudes that compromise service delivery.

During the inspection, some late-coming staff were caught off guard when they found themselves locked outside their offices. Ruku said such measures will continue until discipline is restored in all government departments. “We cannot demand respect from the people we serve if we ourselves are not disciplined,” he added.

The CS further encouraged Kenyans who had applied for passports at the Eastern Regional Office in Embu to collect them, saying uncollected documents were piling up. He also noted that Embu Huduma Centre was holding a large number of uncollected national IDs, urging citizens to claim them promptly.

Ruku concluded by promising more surprise checks across the country to keep public officers on their toes. “This is not a one-time event. I will continue with spot checks because Kenyans deserve efficient, timely and honest services from their government,” he said.