By Andrew Kariuki

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has issued a stern warning to corrupt public officials, vowing swift action following a report by the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) exposing widespread graft across key sectors.

Speaking during the launch of the Kenya National Gender and Corruption Survey 2025 at Safari Park Hotel, Ruku said the government will not tolerate corruption within public service.

He reiterated that the administration under William Ruto remains firm that individuals implicated in corruption have no place in government.

“I will act with supersonic speed to deal with any corrupt officer in my ministry before the President takes action on me. I will not allow anyone to derail institutions or departments under my ministry through corruption,” he said.

The EACC report paints a concerning picture, identifying the judiciary as among the sectors with the highest-value bribes. Magistrates were found to receive the highest average bribe at KSh164,367, with most payments being made in cash.

Ruku said the findings will support ongoing reforms aimed at cleaning up public institutions, noting that collaboration between his ministry and the anti-graft body has already led to the identification and removal of some suspected corrupt officials, including within the National Youth Service.

He also challenged the judiciary to take the findings seriously and implement corrective measures, stressing that tackling corruption requires coordinated efforts across all arms of government.

Ruku urged Kenyans to follow official procedures when seeking services, warning against shortcuts that fuel bribery.

“Citizens should adhere to the timelines outlined in publicly displayed service charters and avoid shortcuts that fuel corruption,” he said.

He pointed to Huduma Centres as a model of efficient service delivery, noting that services are offered within set timelines, with systems in place to address complaints and gather feedback.

The CS reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, urging all public institutions to integrate their services into Huduma Centres to improve access.

He added that the government is also investing in improving the welfare of public servants, including salary adjustments backdated to July 2025, to enhance service delivery.

“Public servants have no reason not to serve Kenyans well,” he said.

At the same time, Ruku criticised sections of the opposition for what he termed as politicising the fight against corruption, calling for objective engagement on the issue.

The report further highlights the disproportionate impact of corruption on women, particularly in accessing essential services such as healthcare and education, where cases of bribery, extortion and sextortion remain prevalent.

Stakeholders, including the National Gender and Equality Commission and Transparency International Kenya, have called for stronger collaboration and increased public participation in reporting graft, expressing optimism that the findings will guide targeted interventions to curb corruption and promote accountability.