Speaking on Sunday during a church service at the National Independent Church of Africa (NICA) in Gichiche, Runyenjes constituency, Embu county, CS Ruku said the bold move is meant to uplift the morale of the national team as it prepares to take on top continental challengers. “This is the moment for Kenyans to come together, to cheer, pray, and show love for our team Harambee Stars. Wearing the Harambee Stars jersey  is a symbol of unity and encouragement,” said Ruku.

The Cabinet Secretary clarified that the directive applies to all civil servants across ministries, parastatals, and commissions, with the exception of uniformed officers such as the police, military, and prison services who will remain in their official attire.

Ruku announced that the dress code will run for the entire month of August, aligning with key matches in the CHAN campaign, and that he will personally lead by example. “Tomorrow morning, I will walk into my office dressed in a Harambee Stars jersey. I urge all public servants to join me in this patriotic charge,” he declared, drawing applause from congregants.

This move comes as the Harambee Stars gear up to face a tough field of African competitors in CHAN, a tournament reserved for players who feature in domestic leagues. 

Kenya has struggled in previous editions but with a fresh squad and renewed optimism under head coach Engin Firat, the team is hopeful for a breakthrough performance.

“This is not just about football. It’s about instilling national pride and bringing a spirit of oneness into public service,” added the CS.

He noted that public servants, who are the face of government, have a role to play in energizing national morale.

CS Ruku, who was appointed to the docket in April this year, has been vocal about revitalizing patriotism and discipline within the civil service. This latest move, while symbolic, reflects his ongoing push to link civic duty with national identity. 

As Harambee Stars prepare for their CHAN qualifiers, the national gaze now turns to both the pitch and public service offices across the country to see if Kenyans can unite behind one jersey, one team and one dream.

Ruku was accompanied by Water Cabinet Secretary Eric Muuga ,TVET PS Dr Esther Mworia ,Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi and a number of MCAs from Embu County.

The Head of State announced the construction of ultramodern stadium when he toured the county on February 23rd 2023 during the launch of a Border Patrol Hospital at Kanyonyoo town.

Ithookwe Stadium will cost the Government of Kenya KSh 800million. Once complete, it is expected to include a running track, a football pitch as well as a VIP pavilion. 

This project is important to the county because it demonstrates collaboration between national and county government and an appreciation that Kenyans deserve development regardless of the way they vote in a general election. Kitui County and most of Ukambani region supported former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who unsuccessfully ran for the top office in the land in 2022.

Instructively, this is the home county of Wiper leader Stephen Kalonzo Musyoka, another opposition principal with keen eyes on 2027 elections. President William Ruto is banking on his development record to secure a reelection.

Other goodies residents and leaders of Kitui county expect from President William Ruto during the Mashujaa Day celebrations are renovation of Ithookwe Airstrip and construction of a State Lodge in Kitui Town. Both projects will cost KSh 2 billion, analysts say.

Speaking at the event, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) Secretary General Hassan Omar reminded players and officials that discipline is the heartbeat of football. "Without discipline, talent alone cannot take you far," he said, stressing that clubs must uphold high standards both on and off the pitch.

Omar urged football clubs across the country to develop clear strategic plans that would not only guide their day-to-day operations but also ensure steady growth. “A vision without a plan is just a dream,” he emphasized, encouraging clubs to think beyond just match days and trophies.

He also reassured the gathering that the Kenya Kwanza government remains firmly committed to supporting sports and empowering young people through football. “Football unites communities and creates opportunities. We will stand with you every step of the way,” Omar promised.

Embu Governor Cecily Mbarire, a passionate supporter of youth talent, showered praises on 3K FC for putting Embu County on the national map. She noted that the club’s journey from a humble local side to competing nationally was a story of grit, discipline, and determination.

“Today, Embu is being mentioned in the same breath as Kenya’s top footballing regions because of 3K FC,” Mbarire said. She pledged her continued support to the team and to nurturing young talents in Embu, urging them to dream big and chase professional careers.

3K FC’s climb into the National Super League (NSL) is nothing short of historic. From its beginnings in 2013 in Kagumori area of Nginda Ward, the team has defied odds and silenced doubters, culminating in a triumphant 3-1 victory over Kibra United that sealed their promotion.

However, the road has not been without its hurdles like lack of enough resources to finance their matches.

Despite the challenges, the spirit at Winter Villa was upbeat, with leaders, fans, and players sharing a dream of seeing 3K FC stamp their football prowess. Their story is now a rallying cry for other small clubs across Kenya: with discipline, vision, and hard work, nothing is impossible.

In attendance were Hussein Mohammed (FKF President), UDA Directors Rob Jillo (Communication), Halake Halake (Minorities & Marginalized Groups), Grace Gichovi (Events & Logistics), Sabastian Mwangangi (Special Advisor to the Secretary General), and Truphena Mbogo (Manager Diaspora Affairs).

While touring the area on Wednesday, CS Mvurya inspected the site which is also being prepared to host this year's Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20.

Governor Dr Julius Malombe thanked President William Ruto government for slating the national holiday fete to be held in Kitui town. "In my capacity as the governor of Kitui, I would like to thank His Excellency the President William Ruto for accepting to hold the sherehe here in Kitui County. We are really grateful".

Governor Malombe allayed fears that the stadium work will interfere with the annual Agricultural Show and Trade Fair slated for June.

"We have a myriad of options. There are other places where we can hold the show. We can even still hold it at the Kitui County Aggregation and Industrial Park at Kanyonyoo where we have plenty of space", said the governor.