The Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programs, Geoffrey Ruku, has urged all government ministries, departments, and agencies to decentralize their operations by availing more services through Huduma Centres across the country.
Speaking during a government relief outreach in Lamu East, Lamu County, CS Ruku stressed that no Kenyan should be forced to travel long distances to access government services that should be easily available at nearby Huduma Centres.
“I am urging all ministries and government agencies to urgently make all possible services available in Huduma Centres. Kenyans deserve easy, convenient, and efficient access to public services, regardless of their location,” said Ruku.
The CS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the operationalization and digitization of a Huduma Centre in Lamu East, saying the facility will bring essential services closer to residents and significantly improve public service delivery in the region.
He further emphasized that this initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda of decentralizing services and promoting inclusive development.
Ruku further stated that he would personally follow up to ensure that more services are made accessible through Huduma Centres, underscoring the need for proactive and consistent implementation by all government agencies.
Highlighting infrastructure progress, the CS pointed to ongoing road construction projects in Lamu County, noting that enhanced road networks will open up the region, improve connectivity, and boost local economic activities.
On healthcare, Ruku encouraged locals to register with the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA), emphasizing that the government’s new universal health coverage model is designed to shield vulnerable households from the burden of high medical costs.
While in Lamu, the CS also supervised the distribution of relief food to households affected by drought and other challenges, reaffirming the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable communities in times of need.
Turning to national politics, Ruku defended President William Ruto’s administration, asserting that the President continues to enjoy strong support across the country, particularly in the Mt Kenya region, contrary to claims by the opposition. He dismissed critics as “self-absorbed individuals guided by empty rhetoric,” accusing them of seeking to divide Kenyans for their own political gain.
“We are focused on service delivery and improving the lives of ordinary Kenyans. The noise from the opposition is nothing but a distraction,” Ruku said. “Unity and collective effort are essential if we are to fully realize the promises made to the people.”
The CS concluded his visit by urging residents to continue supporting President Ruto’s government and to remain united in pursuit of national development and progress.
Sentiments echoed by Lamu East MP Captain Ruweida Obo who stated there is need for the national government departments to expand services especially to far flung frontier areas such as Kiunga, Boni and Ndau Island where she added large sections of the Kenyan population have largely remained marginalized.
She further voiced her commitment in ensuring her constituency gives the national government support in setting up critical public service outposts as this would ensure that all Kenyans are served regardless of religion or ethnicity.