The CS, who made the unannounced visit early Thursday morning, expressed anger after finding several key government offices deserted during official working hours. Some offices remained locked long after 8am, while members of the public waited outside seeking services.
Ruku said the situation was unacceptable and warned that disciplinary action would be taken against officers who failed to report to work on time or neglected their duties.
Speaking during the inspection, the CS noted that public servants are paid using taxpayers’ money and must therefore remain accountable to Kenyans.
He accused some officers of developing a culture of laziness and impunity that continues to frustrate wananchi seeking government services.
“We cannot tolerate a situation where citizens travel long distances only to find offices closed and no one available to serve them,” Ruku said. “Government workers must understand that public service is a responsibility, not a favour.”
The CS moved from one office to another, checking attendance registers and questioning supervisors over the missing staff members. In some departments, only a few junior officers were present while senior officials were nowhere to be seen.
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Residents who had gathered outside the offices welcomed the CS’s move, saying absenteeism among government workers has become a major problem in the region. Some claimed they often spend entire days waiting for services because officers report late or fail to show up completely.
Several wananchi narrated frustrations involving delayed processing of documents, stalled applications, and endless rescheduling of appointments due to absent officials.
Ruku directed senior administrators in the county to immediately compile reports on officers who were absent without explanation. He warned that disciplinary measures, including salary deductions and possible dismissals, could be taken against repeat offenders.
The CS also challenged heads of departments to strengthen supervision and ensure all public offices operate efficiently during official hours. He emphasized that President William Ruto’s administration is focused on improving service delivery and restoring public confidence in government institutions.
The surprise crackdown comes amid growing concerns over poor work ethic in sections of the public service. The government has recently intensified monitoring of state offices across the country in an effort to eliminate ghost workers, improve accountability, and enhance efficiency.
Ruku vowed that the inspections would continue nationwide, warning civil servants that no county would be spared from scrutiny.
“We want a government that works for the people at all times,” he said. “Those unwilling to serve wananchi should step aside.”
