Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, has assured Kenyans that the government has established firm structures to guarantee fairness and meritocracy in public service recruitment.
Speaking during a Sunday service at ACK St John’s Apostle Kanyuambora in Mbeere North, Embu County, the CS emphasized that employment in the Kenya Public Service will strictly be based on qualifications and competence, not connections or influence.
Ruku said the government is committed to restoring public confidence in hiring processes by eliminating favoritism and ensuring that every Kenyan has an equal opportunity to secure employment.
“Getting a job in the public service should not depend on who you know, but what you know and what you can do. Every Kenyan deserves a fair chance,” he said.
He noted that ongoing reforms within the ministry are aimed at sealing loopholes that have in the past allowed irregularities in recruitment. He added that technology and clear guidelines will play a key role in safeguarding transparency.
At the same time, the CS urged residents of Embu County and Kenyans at large to support the government in delivering its development agenda, calling for unity and restraint from premature political activities.
“Let us focus on building our country and improving service delivery. Politics will have its time, but now is the time to work,” he said.
Ruku reiterated that a professional, accountable, and merit-driven public service is critical to achieving sustainable development and enhancing service delivery across the country.
His remarks come amid growing public scrutiny of hiring practices in government departments, where allegations of nepotism and corruption have periodically surfaced. The CS’s pledge aligns with broader administrative efforts to digitize recruitment processes, including the introduction of online job application portals and automated shortlisting systems designed to minimize human interference.
While welcoming the announcement, some civil society groups have called for independent oversight mechanisms to ensure compliance. They argue that without robust monitoring and severe penalties for violators, the promise of merit-based hiring may remain unfulfilled.
For now, Ruku’s message offers a clear signal of intent. Whether the government can translate that promise into practice will ultimately determine public trust in the country’s public service system.
