He delivered the remarks at the Kenya School of Government in Lower Kabete, Nairobi, during the National Productivity and Performance Conference 2026.
Ruku said the productivity gap between the private and public sectors is unacceptable, noting that private sector workers are three times more productive than their public sector counterparts.
“It is not fair to this nation if the private sector is three times more productive than the public sector worker. It means laziness is thriving exceedingly in public service,” he stated, echoing President William Ruto’s calls to dismantle entrenched systems that perpetuate poor performance.
The conference, held from June 17 to 19 under the theme “Productivity for Fiscal Sustainability and Efficient Service Delivery,” brought together policymakers, scholars, and industry leaders to deliberate on strategies for aligning human capital and institutional reforms with Kenya’s fiscal sustainability agenda.
Ruku, who was a key Speaker, emphasised that reforms must be systemic and urgent to embed accountability and efficiency in government operations.
As Kenya marked Africa Public Service Day, Ruku challenged experts and participants to focus discussions on reforms that can characterise productivity and performance.
“I challenge the experts and panellists in the engagement to shift the discussions to system reforms that can characterise productivity and performance. I wish you a very fruitful engagement during these celebrations and look forward to the valuable ideas and partnership that will emerge from this very important forum,” he said.
His remarks highlighted growing concern over the disparity between Kenya’s private sector, which has demonstrated resilience and innovation, and the public service, often criticised for bureaucracy and inefficiency.
The National Productivity and Performance Conference is part of Kenya’s broader effort to strengthen institutional capacity and align public service with national development goals.
By spotlighting reforms, the forum seeks to generate actionable strategies that can transform the public sector into a driver of efficiency and growth.
Ruku concluded his address by urging collaboration among stakeholders, stressing that partnerships forged during the conference could provide the foundation for sustainable reforms.
“May God bless Kenya. May God bless Africa,” he said, closing his speech with a call for unity and shared responsibility in advancing productivity.
