This archive report was first published on 23 August 2019.
On August 22, 2019, President Uhuru Kenyatta issued an Executive Order that saw significant changes in his government, including the reshuffling of some government departments.
The Irrigation docket, which has been marred by controversy over suspicious payments for dam construction, was moved from the Ministry of Agriculture to the Ministry of Water.
According to the Executive Order, the changes were made to 'orientate the scope and mandate of various ministries, State departments and State Agencies (MDAs) to expedite the ongoing implementation of the transformative vision for a better Kenya espoused as the Big 4 Agenda.'
Additionally, the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), which was previously domiciled at State House under Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita, was reassigned to the Ministry of Interior under Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i.
Waita's role in the PDU, which was tasked with monitoring the progress of the government's flagship projects, has been transferred to government spokesperson Col (rtd) Cyrus Oguna.
The President also merged two State departments - Water, Irrigation and Sanitation are now under one ministry, while the Immigration department, now renamed State Department for Interior and Citizen Services, will be under Dr Matiang'i.
However, the President did not announce a substantive Cabinet Secretary in the National Treasury docket to replace Henry Rotich, who was charged with graft in connection with the Sh63 billion multi-purpose Arror and Kimwarer dams scandal.
Labour CS Ukuru Yatani is currently holding the office in an acting capacity.
President Uhuru justified the changes, saying they will help improve the efficiency of delivering the mandate of his office.
‘My administration is committed to enhancing efficiency, transparency, accountability and operational autonomy through a governance structure that ensures rapid delivery of public services to Kenyans in every part of the Republic,’ said Uhuru.
