President William Ruto has urged the new Cabinet Secretaries, sworn in on Friday, to reject corruption, communicate effectively, and adopt austerity measures.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, Ruto emphasized the importance of being firm in implementing government programs. He stated that the officers must be deliberate in their actions.
The President warned the CSs not to tolerate corruption in their dockets. He stressed that they must work hard to eliminate corruption. “I expect you to serve the people of Kenya with dedication, professionalism, and fairness,” Ruto said.
Ruto also cautioned the CSs against being dismissive of the public. “While we must be firm and effective in our actions, we should also approach our engagements with compassion and patience, particularly when communicating with the public,” he explained.
The President highlighted that part of the CSs’ roles would be addressing concerns raised by Kenyans about the government agenda. “We must do more to minimize misunderstanding among all citizens in the collective task of national transformation,” he said.
In light of limited fiscal space and austerity measures, Ruto instructed the CSs to “make do with less than expected.” He stressed the importance of prioritizing investment in opportunities over consumption. “It is important that we continuously clarify the state of affairs and articulate our vision, embracing short-term austerity for long-term prosperity,” the President said.
For the government to run efficiently, Ruto emphasized that CSs must be transparent, accountable, and efficient in managing public resources. “We must be excellent stewards of public resources, taking a strong stand against corruption and wastage,” he stated.
As the Bottom-Up Transformation agenda progresses, Ruto expressed confidence in the CSs. “I trust that you will be the officers to rely on for wisdom, strength, and courage,” he said, assuring them of his support and resources.
