This archive report was first published on 24 August 2019.
On August 22, President Uhuru Kenyatta issued an Executive Order that saw a reshuffling of some government departments from one ministry to another. The move aimed to orientate the scope and mandate of various ministries to expedite the implementation of the Big 4 Agenda.
Among the departments moved was the Irrigation docket, which has been dogged by controversy over suspicious payments for the construction of dams. As a result, Agriculture CS Mwangi Kiunjuri saw the irrigation docket moved from his ministry to the Water docket.
The President also effected changes on the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), which was reassigned to the Ministry of Interior under Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i. The PDU, previously headed by Chief of Staff Nzioka Waita, was tasked with monitoring the progress of the government's flagship projects.
However, the President did not announce a substantive CS in the National Treasury docket to replace Henry Rotich, who was charged with graft in connection with the Sh63 billion Arror and Kimwarer dams scandal. The office is currently held by Labour CS Ukuru Yatani in an acting capacity.
President Uhuru Kenyatta justified the changes, saying they will help improve efficiency in 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,” he said.
