The National Assembly Committee on Appointments has approved the appointment of Geoffrey Ruku and Hanna Cheptumo as Cabinet Secretaries for Public Service and Gender, respectively.
Their approval followed scrutiny by the Parliamentary Committee on Appointments, led by Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula, on Monday, April 14.
Ruku and Cheptumo were nominated by President William Ruto on March 26 to replace former Cabinet members Justin Muturi and Aisha Jumwa, respectively.
During their appearance before the parliamentarians, both nominees faced rigorous questioning as committee members probed their qualifications, views, and commitment to addressing critical national issues.
Ruku, who was the first nominee to appear before the Committee, shared his commitment to public service, particularly in safeguarding the interests of Kenyans employed by the government.
He expressed a passion for reform within the public service, which was evident as he spoke about addressing corruption, a pressing issue he claimed undermines the country’s development.
“If approved, I will extend my dedication to all Kenyans. Whether in Turkana, Mandera, or any other part of the country, I’ll ensure efficient service delivery without fear or favour,” Ruku told the committee members.
“Kenya loses billions through corruption, not just from theft, but also from lengthy investigations and prosecutions,” he added.
On the topic of the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), Ruku raised concerns about bribery within the system, which he claimed hinders deserving teachers from receiving promotions.
On the other hand, CS nominee Cheptumo, during the vetting session, expressed her commitment to combating Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and promoting Kenya's cultural heritage.
In response to questions about harmful traditional practices like Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and early marriages, Cheptumo committed to working with community leaders, including religious figures, to address these issues.
She proposed the establishment of gender desks at police stations, which would offer support to GBV survivors, and recommended relocating these desks to hospitals to provide a safe and compassionate environment for medical and psychosocial assistance.
“I want to see more programs for survivors and ensure that GBV education is included in school curricula to promote respect and equality from a young age,” she affirmed.
Following their approval, the duo await formal appointment by the Head of State ahead of their swearing in at a later date yet to be announced.
