Public Service and Special Programmes CS Geoffrey Ruku speaking on Thursday when he flagged off a food distribution exercise in Moyale, Marsabit county, July 24, 2025. /HANDOUT
The government has mapped out 23 arid and semi-arid land counties hardest hit by prolonged drought and food insecurity in enhanced relief interventions to support the most vulnerable households.
Public Service and Special Programmes CS Geoffrey Ruku announced on Thursday when he flagged off a food distribution exercise in Moyale, Marsabit county.
CS Ruku reiterated the government’s commitment to preventing hunger-related deaths and delivering humanitarian support to underserved communities.
“We have enough food for Kenyans, and that’s why I’m in Moyale today, to ensure our people are reached and no one goes hungry,” he said.
“This is a continuous effort by the government to safeguard lives and dignity, especially in drought-affected counties.”
The relief operation, part of the wider “Huduma Smart Serikalini” initiative, is aligned with Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, which mandates the Ministry to lead special programmes and emergency outreach efforts in high-risk regions.
The Marsabit visit marked a key stop in the ongoing national campaign to build resilience and respond effectively to climate-related shocks.
CS Ruku emphasised that the government had already mapped the 23 affected counties and is working to deliver food and emergency supplies directly to households in greatest need.
He was accompanied by a delegation of leaders from the region, including Moyale MP Jaldessa Guyo, Marsabit Woman Rep Waqo Naomi, Garissa Woman Rep Amina Uudgoon, North Horr MP Adhe Wario, and Mandera South MP Haro Abdul.
They collectively urged unity and continued collaboration with the national government.
“From improved infrastructure to better access to social services, this government is walking the talk,” Ruku said, urging residents to support President William Ruto’s administration.
“We are focused on delivery, not distractions. The opposition has nothing substantive to offer but rhetoric.”
In line with government efforts to decentralise service delivery, Ruku announced plans to open a Huduma Centre in Moyale, a move expected to ease access to critical services such as birth registration, national IDs, and social protection programmes.
“We are bringing services closer to the people,” he said.
“A Huduma Centre here in Moyale and other areas will transform how locals interact with government and access public services.”
The CS also presided over the official opening of a new administration block at St Mary’s Mixed Day Secondary School, built under the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF).
He used the occasion to highlight progress in the education sector, including the recruitment of 76,000 teachers since President Ruto took office, with 24,000 more set to be hired in January.
“The new university funding model is designed to support learners from humble backgrounds and ensure inclusive access to higher education,” Ruku added.
On infrastructure, Ruku cited ongoing road construction and connectivity projects in the North Eastern region as key to expanding trade, linking communities, and creating jobs.
“We are building roads to connect communities, expand trade routes, and create jobs. These are long-term investments that will transform this region,” he said.
The Moyale mission is part of a larger effort to deliver integrated relief, human capital investment, and public service access to areas long underserved by central government — a move Ruku said reflects Ruto's resolve to “leave no Kenyan behind.”
