Aasai

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has issued a bold directive targeting civil servants who report to work late or frequently abscond from duty, saying they will henceforth be classified and treated as “ghost workers.” The CS made the declaration during an impromptu inspection of government offices in Nyeri County, where he expressed disappointment over what he termed widespread absenteeism and poor timekeeping among public officers.

Ruku, visibly displeased by the state of affairs, said some staff arrive at their offices late and disappear shortly after, yet continue to earn monthly salaries funded by taxpayers. “Anyone who reports to work late or vanishes shortly after arriving is no different from a ghost worker. These individuals draw salaries from the public yet contribute very little or nothing in terms of service delivery,” he stated.

The Cabinet Secretary noted that such behavior amounts to theft from the Kenyan people, emphasizing that public service must be based on integrity, commitment, and discipline. He stressed that all government employees are accountable to the citizens and must fulfill their roles diligently. “If you arrive at 9 a.m. and leave by 11 a.m. to attend to personal matters, you are betraying the public trust and undermining the efficiency of government operations,” Ruku said.

As part of immediate reforms, Ruku announced the introduction of mandatory daily attendance registers in all public offices. These registers will not only record arrival and departure times but will also include a clear schedule of duties for each staff member. The aim is to enhance monitoring and ensure that civil servants deliver on their responsibilities consistently.

He added that the Ministry of Public Service will work with supervisors across all levels—sub-county, county, regional, and national—to enforce strict accountability measures. “We will ensure every employee has a clearly defined role and is evaluated through a comprehensive performance appraisal system. No one will be spared. Those who don’t comply will face disciplinary action, including job termination,” he warned.

Ruku further revealed that his ministry plans to carry out a baseline survey to gauge staff satisfaction within various ministries and departments. This, he said, will help the government understand challenges that may be affecting productivity and morale among public workers. The survey will also guide efforts to streamline service delivery and improve the work environment where necessary.

The Cabinet Secretary also raised alarm over the economic cost of inefficiency in the public sector. He noted that laxity, time wastage, and absenteeism have contributed to massive financial losses running into billions of shillings annually. According to him, tightening discipline and eliminating non-performing workers is essential if the government is to deliver services effectively and achieve its development goals.

In a message directed to all public servants across the country, Ruku urged them to take personal responsibility and uphold the principles of good governance. “Civil servants are custodians of public service and must act as role models. The government will not tolerate indiscipline and complacency, especially at a time when thousands of qualified young Kenyans are unemployed and ready to work,” he emphasized.

He pointed out that while some government departments are failing, others are shining examples of dedication and efficiency. He specifically praised the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Huduma Centre in Nyeri, and public service interns for their punctuality and hard work. “These departments are proof that excellence is possible. We commend them and encourage others to follow suit,” said Ruku.

The CS concluded by stating that these reforms are fully supported by President William Ruto’s administration, which is committed to revamping the public sector and ensuring value for money in every government operation. “The people of Kenya deserve efficient, honest, and present public servants. That is what we are working to achieve,” he said.

This fresh directive signals the beginning of a nationwide cleanup in the public service, aiming to root out negligence, restore professionalism, and ensure that every shilling paid to government employees is earned through genuine and consistent service.