Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Geoffrey Ruku, announced that the government is finalizing a digital application to monitor the productivity of all public servants in Kenya.

In an unscheduled early-morning visit at the Eastern Region headquarters in Embu Town, Ruku stated the application would be online by the end of October. He said the platform will track key indicators such as arrival and departure times, leave status, and real-time attendance.

The project is designed to enhance efficiency, accountability, and transparency across all government offices.

Ruku further stated that the project forms part of a broader reform agenda of discipline and improved service delivery in the public sector.

“We must raise our standards in order to serve the people better. Lateness and laxity will no longer be tolerated in government offices,” he said.

CS Ruku described the app as a game changer in addressing absenteeism and monitoring work performance.

He underscored that the private sector, particularly small and medium-scale enterprises, depends heavily on good government services, and any delays affects economic productivity.

“Most people in the private sector are already on their way to work. They understand that success requires hard work. Public servants must match that energy if we are serious about national transformation,” Ruku stated.

During his impromptu visit, the CS observed significant disparities in punctuality across departments. While the Huduma Centre and the Immigration Department in Embu impressed him with early reporting, other offices, such as Lands, fell short.

At the Lands office, only one staff member and a cleaner were present by 8 a.m.

“We cannot condone such negligence. Public officers must take responsibility,” the CS asserted.

He also implored all public servants to strictly comply with the Human Resource Procedures and Manual of 2016, which sets the level of professionalism, ethics, and performance expected.

Ruku warned that the government will take a more stringent approach to careless attitudes threatening service delivery.

He emphasized that disciplinary measures will persist until full compliance is achieved.

“We cannot demand respect from the citizens we serve if we are not disciplined ourselves,” he said.

“This is not a one-off inspection. I will conduct more surprise checks across the country. Kenyans deserve honest, timely, and efficient service from their government,” CS Ruku added.