Head of Govt Delivery Services Peter Mbae Resigns, Citing Toxic Work Environment

The Head of the Government Delivery Services, Dr Peter Mbae, tendered his resignation over what he terms as unresolved issues raised to the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei.

In a letter dated January 9, 2025, to Koskei, Mbae revealed that he walked out of the position having served for just one year, having raised concerns over what he termed as unfavourable working conditions at the office.

Mbae, since June 2024 revealed that during his tenure at the helm of GDS, he oversaw the implementation of Government programmes and projects across Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

"In all these positions, I served diligently with utmost commitment and sacrifice, driven solely by the genuine desire to achieve sustainable transformation in the lives of citizens in line with the Kenya Kwanza Government manifesto," he revealed.

A photo of State House. /STATE HOUSE KENYA

"However, despite my passion, focus and consistency, for reasons and issues that I have consistently brought to your attention and have not been resolved to date, 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."

Mbae linked his decision to step down from the role to accountability to Kenyans, given that the appointment was publicized. He will thus pursue other interests following his resignation.

"In order to be accountable to the people of Kenya, owing to the fact that the appointment was widely circulated, I therefore request to formally disengage from this appointment so as to pursue other interests. I thank you for the opportunity and trust you bestowed on me to serve in the public service," he continued.

The Public Service Commission appointed Mbae as Secretary of Investments Promotion effective January 2023 in the Office of Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry (MITI), where he also served as Head of the Ministerial Delivery Unit.

He was later appointed as Head of Ministerial Programmes in the Office of the Cabinet Secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Performance and Delivery Management effective October 2023.

Government Delivery Services (GDS) is a centre of government function based in the State Department for Performance and Delivery Management. Its primary function is to improve the coordination of national government flagship programs and monitor, evaluate, and report on the timely fulfilment of key development priorities, programmes, and projects.

Other functions include tracking and reporting on the status of national government priorities, projects, programmes and presidential directives. The GDS also conducts problem-solving and provides practical interventions for government priorities, projects, and programmes that are facing challenges or bottlenecks.

Aside from that, the GDS carries out independent verification to determine the true status of government projects being implemented in the regions and counties. It also undertakes public awareness creation on the progress and achievements of national government priorities through the public portal, as well as digital and print media.

Former Head of the Government Delivery Services, Dr Peter Mbae. /KBC DIGITAL