The recent fire tragedy that swept through Mukungu Village in Nairobi's sprawling informal settlement of Kibra on a somber Wednesday afternoon served as a stark, fiery reminder of Kenya's vulnerability to sudden disasters. Over 300 households were left utterly homeless, their lives upended and property worth millions of shillings reduced to ash. Yet, amidst the devastation, a resolute message of hope and commitment emerged from the heart of the government, signaling a transformative shift in the nation's approach to crisis management. Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has not only reaffirmed, but actively demonstrated, the Government’s unwavering commitment to proactive disaster preparedness and rapid response, ensuring that no Kenyan is left behind when tragedy strikes.
In the immediate aftermath of the Kibra inferno, CS Ruku wasted no time. An early morning visit to the ravaged site on Thursday saw him personally assessing the extent of the damage, standing witness to the raw despair of the affected families. True to his word, the commitment transcended mere observation. The very next day, Friday, the CS returned to Kibra, leading a crucial relief aid distribution exercise at the Kibra Deputy County Commissioner’s office. This tangible support, comprising essential food items, comforting beddings, and vital dignity packs, was aimed at providing immediate, temporary alleviation to the suffering of those displaced by the merciless flames.
Addressing the resilient residents, CS Ruku articulated a powerful message of solidarity, asserting that the government, under the visionary leadership of President William Ruto, is fully dedicated to safeguarding every Kenyan during times of crisis. This isn't just rhetoric; it's a pledge rooted in a comprehensive national strategy, meticulously outlined in the recently enacted Executive Order No. 1 of 2025.
The Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, Gazetted in June 2025, is more than just a bureaucratic document; it is described by CS Ruku as a direct, actionable commitment from President Ruto to the people of Kenya, designed to fundamentally safeguard lives and livelihoods. This groundbreaking order assigns a dual, yet interconnected, mandate to CS Ruku’s Ministry, operating through its two vital 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 shoulders the critical responsibility of coordinating every phase of disaster management – from proactive preparedness and rapid response to crucial recovery efforts. This encompasses a broad spectrum of vital functions:
Humanitarian Aid: Providing essential food aid and other vital supplies, often in seamless collaboration with the National Youth Service (NYS), leveraging their extensive logistical capabilities.
Strategic Resource Management: Overseeing the National Strategic Food Reserve to ensure national food security, especially during emergencies.
Shelter and Mobility Solutions: Offering immediate shelter solutions and innovative mobility assistance, including the deployment of mobile bridges to overcome infrastructure damage.
Public Information & Warning Systems: Managing transparent public information dissemination during emergencies and implementing robust early warning systems and evacuation protocols to minimize casualties.
Community Rebuilding: Supporting displaced families with dignity and purpose, actively participating in the rebuilding of communities post-disaster, and meticulously coordinating crucial donations and volunteer mobilization during national emergencies.
This holistic approach aims to ensure that no aspect of disaster management is left unaddressed, providing a seamless continuum of care from anticipation to recovery.
In parallel, through the State Department for Public Service and Human Capital Development, CS Ruku’s Ministry is tasked with bolstering the very backbone of national response: a strong, efficient, and compassionate public service. This department oversees vital public service reforms, ensures adherence to operational standards, and manages government human resource information systems to optimize efficiency. Furthermore, it manages key national institutions such as the Kenya School of Government, which trains the next generation of public servants; Huduma Centres, which decentralize government services closer to the people; and the NYS, a critical force in national development and disaster response.
This department is also pivotal in implementing the Internship and Volunteer Policy, nurturing future talent. Crucially, it is responsible for administering group life insurance and comprehensive welfare benefits for civil servants, promoting their career development, and driving innovation in public service delivery. Recognizing the immense psychological toll of public service, especially in crisis, the department also offers essential counseling and mental health support services across the public sector, ensuring the well-being of those who serve the nation.
CS Ruku powerfully articulated the synergy between these two mandates: "We cannot respond effectively to emergencies without strong systems, the right people, and the right structures in place.” His statement underscores a deep understanding that effective disaster management is inextricably linked to a responsive and well-trained public service.
Beyond the immediate relief efforts, the government's broader strategy, as outlined by CS Ruku, includes proactive measures designed to significantly reduce the frequency and impact of disasters, particularly fires in densely populated informal settlements like Kibra. A cornerstone of this preventative approach is the widespread rollout of affordable housing projects in key informal urban areas, including not just Kibra, but also Mukuru kwa Njenga, Mukuru kwa Reuben, and Korogocho. These projects are meticulously designed to offer safer, more resilient living conditions, aiming to drastically reduce the vulnerability of residents in these densely populated areas to such devastating infernos. This strategic investment in infrastructure is a long-term commitment to human dignity and urban resilience.
The collaborative spirit driving these efforts was evident during the Kibra relief exercise, where CS Ruku was flanked by Nairobi Senator Karen Nyamu and Kibra Member of Parliament Peter Ochieng. Their united presence reflected a powerful commitment to cross-leadership collaboration in times of crisis, sending a clear message of solidarity and coordinated action to the affected communities.
CS Ruku concluded with a resolute pledge, emphasizing the core ethos driving the government's renewed commitment: “This is about protecting lives, restoring dignity, and building resilience. It is what President Ruto has committed to, and we will deliver.” This statement encapsulates the profound shift in Kenya’s disaster preparedness and response strategy – a move from reactive measures to a holistic, proactive, and deeply compassionate approach, promising a future where communities are not just rescued from disaster, but empowered to withstand and rebuild.
