The late Stephen Kinyanjui Kirogo was laid to rest at his farm in Sipili, Laikipia County today (Friday 21st May 2021). A sombre mood engulfed Sipili neighbourhood as his body was interred in a private ceremony attended by close family members, clergy and government officials.
Until his death on Friday last week, Mr Kirogo had served the Public Service Commission as chairman since August 2018.
The burial ceremony was preceded by a funeral service at Sipili Secondary School that was attended by hundreds of mourners from all walks of life. The service was conducted by the Anglican Church of Kenya, which the late Kirogo had also served as a lay-reader.
President Uhuru Kenyatta, in a message read by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Prof Margaret Kobia said Mr Kirogo leaves a legacy of courage and performance.
"He had the foresight to equip young people with relevant skills through the transformative public service internship program he initiated," said President Kenyatta.
In her personal tribute, Prof Kobia recalled that Mr Kirogo was instrumental in the transformation of the Kenya Institute of Administration to Kenya School of Government to align it with emergent realities.
"He also contributed immensely to the development of key public sector policies including the Mwongozo guidelines for state corporations," Prof Kobia noted, reiterating that his commitment to ensuring that the public service is effective, efficient and responsive enough to meet the growing citizen expectations was unwavering.
Head of public service Joseph Kinyua described Kirogo as a dedicated public servant who interacted easily with everyone regardless of their background.
"He was always ready to sacrifice for the sake of his country," said Dr Kinyua.
PSC Ag. Chairperson Charity Kisotu eulogized Kirogo as a visionary leader who was committed to transforming the public service to be more responsive to serving the citizens. She said the Commission will endeavour to fulfill his vision for the public service.
Also present were cabinet secretaries Sicily Kariuki, Betty Maina and Joe Mucheru, Laikipia County Governor Ndiritu Murithi, Principal Secretaries Karanja Kibicho, Zeinab Hussein, Johnson Weru and Ali Noor Ismael, nominated MP Maina Kamanda, PSC commissioners Joyce Nyabuti, Mary Mwiandi, Reuben Chirchir, Patrick Wamoto, Salma Ahmed, Joan Otieno, Andrew Muriuki and CEO Simon Rotich among others.
Mr Kirogo is survived by his wife Anne Wairimu Kinyanjui and three children, Sammy, Linet and Maureen.
Browne Kutswa
Deputy Director, Public Communication,
Public Service Commission
21st May 2021