Just two weeks into his new role, Geoffrey Ruku has opened up about his transition to Cabinet Secretary as the head of the Ministry of Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes.
Speaking to a local TV station on Friday, May 2, 2025, Ruku said that his new role as Cabinet Secretary is a major shift from being an MP, as he now handles fast-moving national issues rather than focusing only on the Mbeere North constituency.
He went on to say that as Cabinet Secretary, he is tasked with overseeing public service reforms, workforce development, and handling special government programmes, including disaster response.
He added that the job requires a national outlook, constant coordination, and fast decision-making, something very different from the day-to-day life of a constituency MP.
“It has been about two weeks since I was sworn in as the cabinet secretary for public service, human capital development and special programmes, and it is a totally different ball game because we are handling very fast-moving issues of national outlook,” he disclosed.
“It is not like when I was fully focused on Mbeere North as a constituency, but now it is the entire Republic of Kenya.
In addition, the CS stated that he is working under clear instructions from President William Ruto to ensure the ministry delivers on its goals, particularly by leading efficient government responses to all types of disasters under the special programmes docket.
“The instructions are there from the head of state on what the ministry is supposed to achieve; I am also in charge of the special programme within the government,” he added.
“I have to ensure that all manner of disasters the government responds to with the efficiency which is required, and those are the instructions given by my boss, who is the head of state.”
Ruku’s role as CS
On April 17, 2025, Ruku took the oath of office at the State House on Thursday, April 17, 2025, in the presence of President William Ruto alongside Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage Cabinet Secretaries Hanna Cheptumo and two appointed Principal Secretaries.
Ruku took over as the new Cabinet Secretary in President Ruto’s administration, replacing Justin Muturi, who was dismissed in the recent reshuffle.
Muturi had increasingly criticised the government, especially after his son was abducted, a move widely seen as linked to his removal from the Cabinet