February 16, 2025
'Be Firm, Patient With The Public!' - President Ruto Tells New CSs

‘Be Firm, Patient With The Public!’ – President Ruto Tells New CSs

President William Ruto has advised the new Cabinet Secretaries sworn in on Friday to avoid corruption, become good communicators, and embrace austerity measures.

Ruto, who spoke as the CSs took their oath of office at State House in Nairobi, said the officials must be tough and deliberate in pressing for the implementation of government projects.

The President warned the CSs not to tolerate corruption in their dockets, saying the officers must fight extra hard to eliminate the evil from their portfolios.

“I expect you to serve the people of Kenya with dedication, professionalism and fairness,” Ruto said.

Ruto advised the CSs against disparaging Kenyans, saying they must learn to be patient with the public when explaining government programs.

“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 said.

The President informed the CSs that one of their responsibilities would be to address Kenyans’ concerns about the government program.

“We must do more to minimise misunderstanding among all citizens in the collective task of national transformation,” he said.

In the aftermath of what the President described as limited economic room and austerity measures, Ruto instructed the CSs to “make do with less than expected.”

“It is important that we continuously clarify the state of affairs and articulate our vision embracing short-term austerity for long-term prosperity while prioritising investment in the multipliers of opportunity and abandoning expenditure on consumption,” the president said.

The President stated that in order for the government to run smoothly and successfully express its austerity position, 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,” Ruto said.

The President stated that as the administration’s Bottom-Up Transformation agenda moves forward, the government must do it right.

“I trust that you will be the officers to rely on for wisdom, strength and courage,” he said promising to provide the CSs with all the support and resources they may need.

‘Be Firm, Patient With The Public!’ – President Ruto CSs