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Resigned or fired? Head Government Delivery Service Mbae speaks

“A lot of what I proposed was not done. In short, there have been a lot of frustrations,” he said.

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by Allan Kisia

News13 January 2025 - 20:25
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In Summary


  • Mbae said He said his seniors rejected his proposals, saying it was not possible.
  • “Either we decide that we suspend performance and delivery until after elections and play politics because we cannot do both.”


Head of the Government Delivery Service (GDS) Peter Mbae/FILE



Head of the Government Delivery Service (GDS) Peter Mbae has come out to say he resigned from his job, citing frustrations in the course of his work.

In an interview with NTV, Mbae highlighted persistent challenges that have hindered his ability to fulfil his mandate effectively since his appointment in June 2023.

“It is not possible to do development in a toxic political environment,” he said.

However, a letter seen by the Star shows that the Ministry of Public Service, Performance and Delivery Management terminated Mbae’s contract on July 24, 2024.

The letter noted that Mbae’s job was tied to the tenure of Moses Kuria as Cabinet Secretary, who ceased to hold the position after President William Ruto dissolved the Cabinet on July 11, 2024.

“In view of the above, you are hereby notified that your appointment as the Head of Head, Government Delivery Services is hereby terminated with effect from July 11, 2024,” the letter to Mbae said.

Mbae noted that he had proposed how his team was going to structure delivery in Kenya after discovering there are so many offices and centres doing the same thing.

He said his seniors rejected his proposals, saying it was not possible.

A lot of what I proposed was not done. In short, there have been a lot of frustrations,” he said.

Mbae said he chose to speak out early so as not to be blamed for failure.

“One day somebody would have asked me, Why didn’t you deliver, and I would respond by saying I had issues. They would then ask me why didn’t you say then,” he explained.

Mbae added that he does not believe the way government delivery tracking is done will deliver results.

He noted he made his seniors aware of his thought.

“Since they announced my appointment in a big way, I have to go back and tell the people I am no longer there,” he said.

Mbae reiterated that it is not possible to achieve any meaningful development in a toxic political environment.

“You can only achieve progress when people are at peace and are appreciative. When the political environment is so toxic, when leaders are abusing others openly, then how do you take development to them?” he posed.

Stating that he is an expert on leadership and governance, Mbae said the current situation hinders development.

“Either we decide that we suspend performance and delivery until after elections and play politics because we cannot do both,” he added.

Mbae previously served as Secretary for Investment Promotion in the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry.

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