Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has reassured Kenyans that no citizen will die of hunger while he remains in office.

His firm commitment came during a government relief food distribution exercise held in Nontoto, Samburu County on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.

“As the Special Programmes department of the Republic of Kenya, which President William Ruto has put me in charge of, I will ensure that no Kenyan in Samburu or any other place in Kenya will die of hunger,” said CS Ruku, emphasising the government’s resolve to shield vulnerable communities from food insecurity.

Ruku explained that the government is building up strategic food reserves aimed at cushioning citizens, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, from future hunger crises.

“The government of Kenya is preparing and putting plans to have strategic food reserves, enough for each and every person facing hunger in the Republic of Kenya. That is the directive of President William Ruto,” he said.

The food supplies distributed in Samburu were part of the state’s broader drought response and relief strategy.

“I assure all of you in arid and semi-arid areas that the government is firm and has concrete plans, and that is why we have come with these supplies here today,” Ruku added.

He praised President Ruto’s dedication to the welfare of citizens, calling him a tireless leader. “President William Ruto wakes up early and sleeps late, ensuring that everything is okay for Kenyans,” Ruku said.

UN on food security

The CS’s remarks came shortly after a United Nations report listed Kenya among ten countries removed from the global hunger hotspots list due to improved food security.

The joint FAO-WFP report credited favourable weather, better harvests, and fewer climate-related disruptions. Other nations delisted include Ethiopia, Zambia, Mozambique, Niger, and Zimbabwe.

However, the report cautioned that the progress is fragile.

“The gains could reverse in the coming months unless urgent humanitarian action is taken and a coordinated international effort is mounted to de-escalate conflict, stem displacement and scale up aid,” the UN warned.

In response, Ruku said the government remains vigilant and committed to scaling up food security efforts. He stressed that Kenya will continue investing in early interventions to prevent hunger crises from recurring.