By BRIAN MUSYOKA
Less than a year after his appointment, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Hon. Geoffrey Kiringa Ruku has rapidly established himself as one of the most visible, effective and politically fearless members of Kenya’s Cabinet, a rise reflected in his 78% approval rating in the latest Politrack Africa national survey that ranked him alongside Treasury Counterpart John Mbadi.
Known for his passion to succeed, youthful energy and unconventional leadership style, CS Ruku was appointed after serving only two years and seven months in elective politics(Mbeere North MP). While his elevation initially surprised observers, his performance has quickly validated the President’s confidence in him.
True to form, CS Ruku wasted no time settling into office. On his very first day after being sworn in at State House, Nairobi, he made an impromptu visit to Central Police Station, Nairobi, embarking on a fact-finding mission to assess service delivery to citizens at the frontline.
That unannounced visit set the tone for his tenure. Similar inspections of government offices across the country soon followed, with the CS consistently reiterating that public servants must uphold efficiency, integrity and responsiveness, in line with Articles 232 and 10 of the Constitution. What began as a one-off visit quickly became a defining trend of his leadership.
CS Ruku carried into National office the same energy that made him a darling of Mbeere North Constituency, a previously little-known semi-arid region he helped transform through development projects and people-centred initiatives. His hands-on style and accessibility endeared him to constituents and laid the foundation for his broader appeal.
One of his first flagship reform initiative at the ministry is “Huduma Smart Serikalini”, launched under the slogan “A fresh approach, timeless impact,” that has placed renewed emphasis on quality service delivery, accountability and citizen satisfaction across public institutions.
Under his watch, the State Department for Special Programmes has earned public praise for swift disaster response. CS Ruku has personally led interventions at major fire incidents and and disasters in the Country , most recently, the South C collapsed building, visiting the site at the wee hours of the night to ensure search, rescue and recovery operations were conducted safely and concluded as quickly as possible.
Behind the scenes, his Harambee House office has become a hive of activity, frequented daily by Kenyans from across the country seeking help. Sources say the CS is known to pick calls and respond to text messages from unsaved numbers and respond personally to citizens’ concerns.
A widely shared incident captured this ethos: when a pregnant woman from Bondo, struggling to afford a critical Anti-D injection, sought help at his office, CS Ruku personally walked out to meet her and paid for the medication without hesitation, allowing her to use the balance for basic needs. The act, though simple, resonated deeply with the public.
Unlike many technocrats who shy away from political engagement, CS Ruku has never avoided political proclamations. He is known to “take the bull by the horns” on contentious matters, openly defending the administration’s agenda.
This political confidence was on full display during the recent Mbeere North by-elections, where CS Ruku took a frontline role in campaigning for the UDA candidate, alongside Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki. The UDA victory not only reinforced Ruku’s influence on the ground but is now reshaping Mt Kenya politics, increasingly pitting DP Kindiki against his impeached predecessor Rigathi Gachagua who seems to have lost the grip of the Mountain despite chest thumping that he is undoubtedly the Mt Kenya King.
Barely a year into office, CS Geoffrey Ruku represents a new breed of Cabinet leadership, decisive, visible, politically grounded and deeply human. Whether inspecting police stations on day one, responding to disasters, or personally helping a struggling citizen, he has shown that public service can be both effective and compassionate.
It is this blend of action, empathy and boldness that explains his soaring approval ratings, and why many now view him as one of the administration’s most consequential figures.
MWINGI TIMES for timely and authoritative news.
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