NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has issued a warning to his Cabinet Secretaries (CSs), urging them to take full responsibility for their performance in service delivery, declaring that failure will not be tolerated.
Speaking on Tuesday at State House during the signing of ministerial performance contracts, Ruto emphasized that accountability is non-negotiable.
Each CS, alongside their Principal Secretaries, formally committed to specific targets outlined in their ministry’s performance contracts.
“I expect each Cabinet Secretary to take personal responsibility for achieving the targets outlined in their ministry’s contracts. There is no room for excuse, delay, or failure,” President Ruto said, underscoring the importance of accountability at all levels of government.
The President announced that the government will issue performance scorecards to CSs at the end of the 2025/26 financial year.
These report cards, he noted, will measure each ministry’s achievements and will be used to enforce a culture of accountability.
“Performance contracting must not be a meaningless ritual,” Ruto said. “The scorecards will carry recognition, rewards, and sanctions, which will be applied without fail. Excellence will be rewarded, while failure, negligence, and misconduct will invite corrective action promptly.”
To ensure ministries can meet their objectives, Ruto revealed that the National Treasury has been instructed to release funds on time, eliminating budgetary delays as an excuse for underperformance.
“Lack of funds or delay in their release should not be an excuse for failure to serve citizens. Our planning, budgeting, and execution functions must work in closer harmony to achieve these goals,” the President stated.
In a bid to bolster delivery, Ruto announced the establishment of a Performance and Delivery Management office within the Executive Office of the President.
This office will monitor ministries, address performance gaps, and oversee corrective actions.
“This office will facilitate ministries and departments to quickly address performance deficiencies and ensure timely implementation of corrective measures,” he said.
Ruto reiterated his expectation for continuous improvement in public service, emphasizing values such as integrity, consistency, and efficiency.
He stressed that these principles should define the conduct of ministries, departments, and agencies in serving the Kenyan public.
“Performance contracting should enhance engagement, motivation, and adherence to the values and principles of public service. I fully expect to see continuous improvement in responsiveness, efficiency, and integrity,” he added.
Speaking on Tuesday at State House during the signing of ministerial performance contracts, Ruto emphasized that accountability is non-negotiable.
Each CS, alongside their Principal Secretaries, formally committed to specific targets outlined in their ministry’s performance contracts.
“I expect each Cabinet Secretary to take personal responsibility for achieving the targets outlined in their ministry’s contracts. There is no room for excuse, delay, or failure,” President Ruto said, underscoring the importance of accountability at all levels of government.
The President announced that the government will issue performance scorecards to CSs at the end of the 2025/26 financial year.
These report cards, he noted, will measure each ministry’s achievements and will be used to enforce a culture of accountability.
“Performance contracting must not be a meaningless ritual,” Ruto said. “The scorecards will carry recognition, rewards, and sanctions, which will be applied without fail. Excellence will be rewarded, while failure, negligence, and misconduct will invite corrective action promptly.”
To ensure ministries can meet their objectives, Ruto revealed that the National Treasury has been instructed to release funds on time, eliminating budgetary delays as an excuse for underperformance.
“Lack of funds or delay in their release should not be an excuse for failure to serve citizens. Our planning, budgeting, and execution functions must work in closer harmony to achieve these goals,” the President stated.
In a bid to bolster delivery, Ruto announced the establishment of a Performance and Delivery Management office within the Executive Office of the President.
This office will monitor ministries, address performance gaps, and oversee corrective actions.
“This office will facilitate ministries and departments to quickly address performance deficiencies and ensure timely implementation of corrective measures,” he said.
Ruto reiterated his expectation for continuous improvement in public service, emphasizing values such as integrity, consistency, and efficiency.
He stressed that these principles should define the conduct of ministries, departments, and agencies in serving the Kenyan public.
“Performance contracting should enhance engagement, motivation, and adherence to the values and principles of public service. I fully expect to see continuous improvement in responsiveness, efficiency, and integrity,” he added.
