Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programs, Geoffrey Ruku, has urged all government ministries, departments, and agencies to decentralise their operations by availing more services through Huduma Centres across the country.
Speaking during a government relief outreach in Lamu East, CS Ruku stressed that no Kenyan should be forced to travel long distances to access government services that should be available in 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 operationalisation and digitisation 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 emphasised that the initiative aligns with the government’s broader agenda of decentralising services and promoting inclusive development.
Ruku further pledged to personally follow up to ensure that more services are integrated into Huduma Centres, underscoring the need for 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 stimulate local economic activities.
On healthcare, Ruku encouraged locals to register with the newly established Social Health Authority (SHA), emphasising that the 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 reaffirmed 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 Head of State continues to enjoy strong support across the country, particularly in the Mt. Kenya region, contrary to opposition claims.
He dismissed critics as “self-absorbed individuals guided by empty rhetoric”, accusing them of attempting to divide Kenyans for 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,” said Ruku. “Unity and collective effort are essential if we are to fully realise the promises made to the people.”
Lamu East MP Captain Ruweida Obo echoed the CS’s sentiments, emphasising the need for national government departments to expand services to far-flung frontier areas such as Kiunga, Boni, and Ndau Island, where residents have remained marginalized.
She pledged her support in ensuring her constituency works with the national government to set up critical public service outposts, stressing that all Kenyans deserve equal access to services regardless of religion or ethnicity.
By Amenya Ochieng
