CS Ruku urges Kenyans to embrace professional training, Gov't services

Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has called on Kenyans to take up professional courses offered by the Kenya School of Government (KSG), while highlighting recent reforms aimed at improving access to public services.

Speaking during the ‘Huduma Smart Serikalini’ outreach in Ijarajara, Balambala Constituency, Garissa County, CS Ruku underscored the importance of a well-trained workforce in achieving national development goals.

“KSG has campuses in Nairobi, Mombasa, Baringo, Embu, and Matuga. I encourage Kenyans, especially those in the private sector, to enroll in these professional courses. They are essential in equipping individuals with the skills necessary for national transformation,” he said.

The outreach event, attended by hundreds of residents and local leaders, provided government services through mobile tents set up by Huduma Kenya, KSG, and the National Youth Service (NYS).

Residents welcomed the move, with many lauding the recent scrapping of the vetting process previously required for ID applications.

“In line with the President’s directive, no Kenyan should wait for years or undergo unnecessary processes to access basic services. These reforms are about dignity, justice, and citizen-centered service,” CS Ruku added, noting the government's adherence to Article 232 of the Constitution.

He also revealed that public service delivery would soon be operationalized in a newly gazetted sub-county within the area, as part of broader efforts to decentralize services.

On healthcare, CS Ruku urged locals to register for the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), terming it a cornerstone of the country’s universal health coverage plans.

“Every Kenyan deserves access to quality, affordable healthcare. SHIF is how we achieve that,” he stated.

Addressing youth empowerment, the CS said the government plans to expand the NYS intake from the current 20,000 to 40,000, with a long-term goal of reaching 100,000 trainees annually.

“We are repositioning NYS not only as a training institution but also as an engine for economic empowerment. By commercializing NYS projects and aligning them with national priorities, we will make real impact,” he said.

He announced a new NYS-led initiative to unclog the River Tana and restore its natural flow. Additionally, he directed the NYS to utilize surrounding land for rice farming and other agricultural projects to support food security and sustain its programs.

CS Ruku said the government is fast-tracking road upgrades in the region, including the 110-kilometre Garissa–Balambala road and the Rohe Road.

“We will work with your leaders to ensure these roads are prioritized by the national government,” he said.

During his visit, the CS distributed relief food to families affected by recent floods, affirming the government’s commitment to disaster response.

“The President is deeply committed to the welfare of all Kenyans. That’s why the affordable housing programme continues to uplift lives, as seen in the recently unveiled modern homes in Mukuru slums,” he said.

He concluded by pledging collaboration with the Ministry of Energy to implement last-mile electricity connections, particularly targeting rice farmers who require equipment like rice-drying machines to boost productivity.

CS Ruku was accompanied by Members of Parliament Amina Siyad (Garissa County), Abdi Omar Shurie (Balambala), Abdikadir Mohamed (Lagdera), Jarajara MCA Adam Durow, and senior government officials, signaling the administration’s unified approach to service delivery in Garissa County.