President William Ruto has affirmed his commitment to safeguarding public resources and curbing corruption in the public sector. Speaking in Statehouse during the ceremony of signing of the 2023/2024 Ministerial Performance Contracts, Ruto said he is going to deal with corrupt government officials “summarily and decisively”.
The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials, including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Governors, and UN Resident Co-ordinator Stephen Jackson.
President Ruto’s stern warning against corruption and misuse of public funds underscoring his determination to root out corrupt practices in government offices. He expressed deep concern that some public servants have adopted a trend of exploiting their positions to steal from the public coffers, and he made it clear that such behavior will not be tolerated.
“We will not allow our public offices to become dens of thieves. Corruption will be met with swift action, and we will address it proactively, not just when money is lost, but from the moment we detect its signs,” he declared.
The President emphasized that under his leadership, there will be no room for embezzlement or misappropriation of funds. Instead, the focus will be on utilizing resources to deliver government programs and services effectively to the people of Kenya.
“Public servants must remember that they are here to serve the people, not to exploit them. We must be accountable, responsible, and transparent in our use of public resources,” Ruto asserted.
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He further highlighted the government’s commitment to the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda and its integration into the performance contracting system. The objective is to achieve the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of public services.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua echoed the President’s sentiments and urged public servants to be driven by a sense of service and dedication to the welfare of the Kenyan people. He stressed the urgency of the government’s mission and the need to prioritize performance as the basis for any collaboration. “Our friendship will be contingent on performance. Let us work diligently and fulfill our duties to the citizens of Kenya,” Gachagua urged member of the executive arm of the government.
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Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi underscored the importance of streamlining performance management in the public sector. He emphasized that effective planning, budgeting, and performance assessments are essential for a productive and accountable government. “Public sector reforms are crucial to transforming the public sector and creating an environment conducive to improved performance,” Mudavadi emphasized.
UN Resident Coordinator Stephen Jackson commended the Kenyan government for prioritizing performance contracts as a means to deliver basic services effectively to the people. He stressed that the citizens deserve a 21st-century service, and public service reforms remain at the core of the UN’s support for Kenya.
Efficient service delivery, as highlighted by Dr. Jackson, should not only be limited to the national level but must also reach the grassroots. This will ensure that every Kenyan, regardless of their location, benefits from the government’s efforts to improve the quality of services provided.
The signing of the Ministerial Performance Contracts signals a renewed commitment by the Ruto-lead administration to uphold transparency, accountability, and integrity in the public sector with the ultimate goal of driving the country towards prosperity and development. As Kenya embraces this transformative journey, the eyes of the nation are keenly watching to see how the government will translate its promises into concrete actions and tangible benefits for the citizens.
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