Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to proactive disaster preparedness and response, following the recent fire tragedy in Mukungu Village, Kibra and other areas.
The Kibra inferno, which occurred on Wednesday afternoon, left over 300 households homeless and destroyed property worth millions of shillings.
During an early morning visit to the area on Thursday , CS Ruku assessed the extent of the damage and promised immediate government support to the affected families.
True to his word, the CS returned to Kibra on Friday, leading a relief aid distribution exercise at the Kibra Deputy County Commissioner’s office. The aid included food items, beddings, and dignity packs, aimed at temporarily alleviating the suffering of those displaced by the fire.
Addressing the residents, CS Ruku stated that the government, under the leadership of President William Ruto, is fully committed to ensuring that no Kenyan is left behind during times of crisis.
He emphasized that his ministry would fully implement Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, which outlines a coordinated National strategy for disaster management.
He noted that the Executive Order is not just a policy document but a direct commitment from President Ruto to the people of Kenya, aimed at safeguarding the lives and livelihoods of all citizens.
As part of the government’s broader plan to reduce the frequency and impact of disasters, particularly fires in informal settlements, he noted that affordable housing projects are being rolled out in several informal urban areas, including Kibra, Mukuru kwa Njenga, Mukuru kwa Reuben, and Korogocho.
He said the projects are designed to offer safer, more resilient living conditions and reduce vulnerability in densely populated areas.
He was accompanied during the exercise by Nairobi Senator Karen Nyamu and Kibra Member of Parliament Peter Ochieng, whose presence reflected strong collaboration between leaders in times of crisis.
The Executive Order No. 1 of 2025 of June 2025 assigns a dual mandate to CS Ruku’s Ministry through its two state departments: the State Department for Special Programmes, and the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development.
Through the State Department for Special Programmes, the Ministry is tasked with coordinating disaster preparedness, response, and recovery; providing food aid and essential supplies in collaboration with the National Youth Service (NYS); managing the Strategic Food Reserve; offering shelter and mobility solutions including mobile bridges; managing public information during emergencies; and implementing early warning systems and evacuation protocols.
The Department is also responsible for supporting displaced families, rebuilding communities post-disaster, and coordinating donations and volunteer mobilization during national emergencies.
In addition, through the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development, the Ministry is tasked to oversee public service reforms, operational standards, and government human resource information systems.
The Ministry also manages institutions like the Kenya School of Government, Huduma Centres, and the NYS, and implements the Internship and Volunteer Policy.
The department is also responsible for administering group life insurance and welfare benefits for civil servants, promoting public service career development, driving innovation in public service delivery, managing government payroll policy, and offering counselling and mental health support services across the public sector.
CS Ruku stressed that building a responsive and well-trained public service is a fundamental part of national disaster preparedness.
“We cannot respond effectively to emergencies without strong systems, the right people, and the right structures in place,” he said.
He also emphasized that the Ministry will continue to work closely with Nairobi County Government, the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), and National agencies such as the National Disaster Operations Center, the National Response and Emergency Recovery Secretariat, and the National Steering Committee on Disaster Response to ensure coordinated, timely, and community-focused disaster response across the country.
“This is about protecting lives, restoring dignity, and building resilience. It is what President Ruto has committed to, and we will deliver,” CS Ruku concluded.
KBC Digital
