In a surprising development, Dr. Peter Mbae, the Head of Government Delivery Services (GDS), has tendered his resignation, citing unresolved workplace challenges. Mbae, who has been in the role for less than a year, addressed his resignation to Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei in a letter dated January 9, 2025.
Reasons for Resignation
Dr. Mbae outlined his dissatisfaction with the working conditions that he claimed hindered his ability to perform his duties effectively. Despite raising these issues with Koskei, Mbae noted that they remained unresolved, ultimately making his position untenable.
“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 stated in his resignation letter.
Mbae also mentioned his accountability to the Kenyan people, noting that his appointment was publicly announced, prompting his formal resignation to pursue other interests.
Mbae’s Professional Background
Dr. Peter Mbae, a seasoned professional in conflict resolution and governance, brought significant experience to his role within the government. Before his appointment to GDS, he held several notable positions, including:
- Head of Ministerial Programmes in the Ministry of Public Service, Performance, and Delivery Management.
- Secretary Investments Promotion in the Ministry of Investments, Trade, and Industry (MITI), where he served from January 2023.
- Head of the Ministerial Delivery Unit, where he spearheaded key government initiatives.
Reflecting on his tenure, Mbae emphasized his commitment and sacrifice in working to implement transformative policies aligned with the Kenya Kwanza Government manifesto.
About the Government Delivery Services
The Government Delivery Services (GDS) operates as a key department under the State Department for Performance and Delivery Management. Its core functions include:
- Coordinating flagship national government programs.
- Monitoring and evaluating the implementation of development priorities, programs, and projects.
- Tracking and reporting on the status of government initiatives and presidential directives.
- Resolving bottlenecks and providing interventions to ensure project success.
- Conducting independent verification of government projects to ensure transparency.
- Raising public awareness about government achievements through digital and print media.
Dr. Mbae played a pivotal role in ensuring the successful execution of these functions, advocating for sustainable transformation in citizens’ lives.
Speculation on Government Discontent
Mbae’s resignation adds to the growing speculation of dissatisfaction within the government ranks. Recent concerns raised by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi regarding abductions—one of which involved his own son—have fueled talks of internal unrest. While Muturi publicly voiced concerns about security lapses, Mbae’s departure points to a potential broader issue of inefficiencies and dissatisfaction within government operations.
Mbae’s Next Chapter
Speaking to local media, Dr. Mbae confirmed his exit and expressed his intention to return to his professional roots. “I was a professional in my own right before joining government, so I will go back to what I was doing before,” he stated. With his expertise in governance and conflict resolution, Mbae is expected to continue contributing to Kenya’s development outside the public sector.
Conclusion
Dr. Peter Mbae’s resignation as Head of Government Delivery Services highlights ongoing challenges in Kenya’s public sector. His departure raises important questions about workplace conditions and internal government dynamics, with implications for the delivery of national priorities. As Mbae moves on to pursue other interests, his contributions to public service will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the country’s governance landscape.
