Nairobi, Kenya – Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to proactive disaster preparedness and coordinated emergency response in the wake of a devastating fire that razed Mukungu Village in Kibra, displacing more than 300 households and destroying property worth millions.
Speaking during two visits to the affected area on Thursday and Friday, CS Ruku pledged immediate government support to the victims and emphasized that disaster management remains a top priority for the administration of President William Ruto.
On Friday, Ruku led a relief distribution exercise at the Kibra Deputy County Commissioner’s office. The government provided food supplies, bedding, and dignity kits to support families displaced by the blaze.
“This Executive Order is not just a policy document. It is a direct commitment from President Ruto to the people of Kenya—a pledge to safeguard lives and livelihoods,” Ruku said, referring to Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, which outlines a national strategy for disaster response and resilience-building.
The CS highlighted that short-term humanitarian aid must be matched by long-term infrastructure and policy solutions. He cited the government’s ongoing affordable housing projects in informal settlements such as Kibra, Mukuru kwa Njenga, Mukuru kwa Reuben, and Korogocho as part of efforts to reduce risk and improve living standards in vulnerable communities.
CS Ruku was joined by Nairobi Senator Karen Nyamu and Kibra MP Peter Ochieng, signaling unified efforts between the national and local governments.
Dual Mandate for Public Service Ministry
Under Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, the Ministry of Public Service, through its State Department for Special Programmes, is tasked with overseeing national disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. This includes:
- Coordinating emergency food aid and essential supplies
- Managing the Strategic Food Reserve
- Developing early warning systems and evacuation plans
- Providing temporary shelter and mobility solutions
- Supporting displaced populations and post-disaster community rebuilding
Simultaneously, the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development is responsible for modernizing the public service sector. It oversees HR management systems, supervises public institutions like Huduma Centres, the Kenya School of Government, and the National Youth Service, and supports the welfare and mental health of public servants.
“We cannot respond effectively to emergencies without strong systems, the right people, and the right structures in place,” Ruku emphasized.
Coordinated Response Across Agencies
The Ministry has pledged to collaborate closely with the Nairobi County Government, National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), and national emergency agencies including the National Disaster Operations Center, the National Response and Emergency Recovery Secretariat, and the National Steering Committee on Disaster Response.
“This is about protecting lives, restoring dignity, and building resilience. It is what President Ruto has committed to, and we will deliver,” Ruku concluded.
The Mukungu Village fire adds to a series of recent disasters that have tested Kenya’s emergency response systems, underscoring the urgent need for holistic, well-resourced disaster preparedness frameworks.
By Were Kelly
