KSG Marks 100 Years, Calls for Ethical Leadership as 432 Assistant County Commissioners Gruduate
By Peace Muthoka
NAIROBI, July 6, 2026 — The Kenya School of Government (KSG) marked a century of shaping the country’s public service on Monday by graduating 432 Assistant County Commissioners (ACCs) with Diplomas in Public Administration, as senior government officials called for ethical leadership, accountability and a modern, citizen-centred public service.
The centenary celebrations, which coincided with KSG’s seventh graduation ceremony, also saw the launch of the Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga Regional Leadership and Governance Academy, an initiative expected to strengthen leadership and governance training across the region.
Speaking during the celebrations, Cabinet Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes Geoffrey Ruku said the next phase of Kenya’s public service must be anchored on integrity, transparency and responsiveness to citizens.
“The Kenyan public service, and indeed our democracy, will increasingly depend on our ability to be transparent and responsive to the needs of the people we serve. The public service has no option but to transform, and KSG will continue adapting its programmes to meet emerging public service trends,” Ruku said.
The Cabinet Secretary, however, expressed concern over fraud within the public service, particularly the manipulation of the Human Resource Information System (HRIS), saying those responsible for irregular payroll payments would be held accountable.
“We will not forgive those who manipulated the payroll system and connived to loot billions of shillings through irregular and unlawful payments. They will be punished under the law and the Constitution,” he said.
Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo described the graduation as a major milestone in the ongoing reforms of the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), saying the government was investing in competent administrators to improve service delivery across the country.
He announced that, following President William Ruto’s directive to address career stagnation, 394 Assistant County Commissioners and Assistant Secretaries had been promoted to senior positions, while 431 Senior Assistant County Commissioners had risen to the rank of Deputy County Commissioner. A further 100 officers have also been promoted to the position of Under Secretary.
Dr. Omollo said the promotions would strengthen the government’s presence at the grassroots by enhancing coordination, security and implementation of development programmes under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Principa Secretary for Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Jane Kere Imbunya said the institution’s centenary was both a celebration of its rich legacy and a reminder of its responsibility to prepare future public sector leaders.
“The next 100 years must keep KSG focused on producing ethical, innovative and citizen-centred leaders who improve lives,” she said.
She added that under President William Ruto’s administration, the institution would continue equipping public servants with the knowledge and skills needed to translate government policies into meaningful impact for citizens.
“Our task is clear: turn knowledge into service, service into impact and impact into hope,” Imbunya said.
Congratulating the graduates, she urged them to uphold the values of integrity and professionalism throughout their careers.
“Education is not a medal. It is a lamp we carry into dark rooms so others can see a way forward,” she said.
The celebrations brought together senior government officials, public servants, development partners, alumni and staff to commemorate 100 years of KSG’s contribution to leadership development, governance and public sector excellence.
The graduation underscored the institution’s enduring role in building a competent public service as Kenya advances governance reforms and seeks to improve service delivery for its citizens.
