Peter Mbae, the Head of Government Delivery Services (GDS), has tendered his resignation, citing unresolved issues that have hindered his ability to effectively execute his duties. In a letter addressed to Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, Mbae expressed his frustration over the persistent challenges he had raised within his department, which, according to him, had not been addressed.
Mbae’s resignation, effective immediately, marks the end of his tenure in a role he had assumed only in June 2024. In his letter, he elaborated on his dedication to the government’s mandate, noting that despite his consistent efforts and genuine passion for service, the failure to resolve the ongoing issues had made it impossible for him to continue in the role. He stated, “It has not been possible to carry out my duties as intended, and my position as Head of Government Delivery Services is no longer tenable.”
Before his appointment as Head of GDS, Mbae served in several key positions. In 2023, he was the Secretary of Investment Promotion at the Ministry of Trade, where he was involved in enhancing Kenya’s investment climate. Additionally, he played a pivotal role as the Head of the Ministerial Delivery Unit, ensuring government policies and projects were effectively implemented. His expertise led to his appointment as the Head of Ministerial Programmes in the Ministry of Public Service in October 2023, before finally taking on the role at GDS in June 2024.
Mbae’s decision to step down follows months of attempting to resolve the internal challenges he faced. His departure signals a setback for the GDS, which is tasked with ensuring that government projects are delivered efficiently. In his resignation letter, Mbae highlighted his intent to pursue other interests and be accountable to the Kenyan public. His exit raises questions about the internal workings of the government, especially in key departments aimed at ensuring efficient delivery of public services.
As Mbae moves on to other pursuits, his resignation underscores the ongoing challenges in Kenya’s public service, where the resolution of internal issues often remains a major hurdle to progress.