CS Ruku puts North Eastern HR officers on notice over absenteeism, late reporting

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has issued a stern warning to human resource officers over lateness and absenteeism following a surprise inspection of government offices in the North Eastern region.

During the impromptu visit to the Garissa Regional Offices and the Huduma Centre in Garissa, the Cabinet Secretary said he found many public officers absent from their work stations long after the official reporting time, leaving members of the public stranded while waiting for services.

A visibly disappointed Ruku described the situation as unacceptable, noting that by 8 a.m., only one officer had reported to work at the regional offices despite government employees being required to report much earlier.

He said the growing culture of lateness and absenteeism among some public servants was negatively affecting service delivery and undermining the government’s efforts to improve efficiency in public offices.

“It is unacceptable for wananchi to arrive early seeking government services only to find empty offices and unattended desks. Kenyans deserve timely, efficient and quality services,” Ruku said during the inspection.

The CS warned that the government would take disciplinary action against officers and human resource managers who fail to enforce reporting regulations and professional standards within the public service. 

“The President is keen on ensuring effective service delivery as enshrined in the Constitution. Moving forward, the Ministry will take stern action against officers unwilling to work in accordance with public service regulations,” he said.

Ruku reminded civil servants in the North Eastern region that government human resource guidelines clearly stipulate official working hours, requiring officers to report to work by 7:30 a.m., break for midday prayers and lunch at 12:30 p.m., and resume duty at 2:30 p.m.

He expressed concern that despite the government improving the welfare of public servants through salary increments, commuter allowances and other benefits, some employees were still failing to meet their obligations.

“The government has already improved the welfare of public servants through salary increments and enhanced allowances. There is therefore no reason for officers not to offer quality and timely services to Kenyans,” he stated.

Ruku further described wananchi as “prepaid customers” who fund government operations through taxes and therefore deserve efficient, effective and citizen-centred services.

“These are prepaid customers who have already paid for government services through taxes and should therefore receive value for their money through quality service delivery,” he said.

The Cabinet Secretary urged public servants to uphold the national values and principles of good governance as outlined in Articles 10 and 232 of the Constitution, including professionalism, integrity, accountability and responsiveness in public service.

He also noted that President William Ruto remains committed to transforming service delivery across the country, warning that negligence and poor work ethic among some officers would not be tolerated. “I am very disappointed, and we will take decisive action to ensure Kenyans seeking government services receive the quality services they deserve.

Any officer found neglecting their duties will face the full force of disciplinary action,” Ruku said.