By Ebi Kesiena
Kenyan President, William Ruto, has stated that he will protect public resources with zeal, insisting that corruption must be tamed, especially in the procurement sector.
According to Ruto, it will no longer be business as usual for public servants with the impulse to abuse public resources.
The President noted this on Tuesday, during the signing of the 2023/2024 Ministerial Performance Contracts at State House, Nairobi.
President Ruto who regretted that it has become fashionable for some people to work in public offices to steal noted that every sector will experience administrative reforms under his administration.
“We will not wait until when money is lost. We will deal with it from the level when we notice its signs.”
He maintained that there will be no money to steal but to deliver government programmes as he tasked public servants to be servants rather than masters of the people.
He added that incompetence will not be tolerated.
“We must work harder and better to deliver on our promises. We have an opportunity to change our country.
‘‘Public sector reforms must be pursued to transform the public sector and create an environment that will boost performance’’ he said.
President Ruto explained that the Government had resolved to enhance its performance by incorporating the actualisation of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda into the performance contracting.
“Our objective is to achieve the highest levels of efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of public services.”
He however stated that all government reforms will be completed through accountable, responsible and transparent use of public resources.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, Governors, UN Resident Co-ordinator Stephen Jackson, among others, were present.
On his part, Deputy President Mr Gachagua asked public servants to be service-driven adding that there is no time to waste.
“Our friendship will only be based on performance. Let us work and do what we have to do for Kenyans,” he argued.
Also speaking, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, said there is an urgent need to streamline performance management in the public sector as it will boast planning, budgeting and performance.
“Public sector reforms must be pursued to transform the public sector and create an environment that will boost performance,” he added.
