The Cabinet has announced plans to strengthen leadership and oversight of government priority projects to ensure they remain on course for completion ahead of the 2027 General Election.
The decision followed a high-level meeting of the Joint Cabinet Committee on the Discharge of Government Business, chaired by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
In a statement issued after the meeting, Kindiki revealed that the Cabinet had agreed to reinforce the management of government programmes and President William Ruto’s flagship projects as the country approaches the election period.
"Agreed that line ministries firm up the leadership of key programmes and flagship Government projects, to consolidate the development agenda ahead of the end of the first term of this administration," Kindiki stated.
The move comes as government officials eyeing elective positions in 2027 prepare to leave their current offices and focus on their political campaigns.
The Cabinet's decision is intended to ensure that the anticipated departure of public officials seeking elective seats does not disrupt the implementation of government programmes, particularly key initiatives under the Kenya Kwanza administration.
Among the major projects targeted for accelerated implementation is the Rironi-Mau Summit Highway expansion, which President Ruto recently fast-tracked by bringing forward its expected completion date from June 2027 to April 2027.
Other flagship initiatives under the government's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) include the Affordable Housing Programme, agricultural development and food security initiatives, and Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
The Tuesday meeting came a day after Head of Public Service Felix Koskei cautioned government officials, particularly principal secretaries seeking elective positions in the 2027 General Election, against neglecting their official responsibilities or using public resources to advance political campaigns before the statutory resignation deadline.
Koskei maintained that officials intending to contest in the elections must continue performing their duties until they formally leave office in accordance with the law.
He also warned against disruptions to public services and delays in implementing government programmes as political activities gather momentum.
"There must be no administrative vacuum, no disengagement from the core mandate, no slowing of implementation. Public resources must not be diverted to partisan political activity. Explaining government programmes is our duty; campaigning is not,” Koskei said.
The warning underscores the government's push to maintain continuity in public administration as officials prepare for the 2027 electoral contest.
According to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), public officers seeking elective positions in the 2027 General Election are required to resign by February 10, 2027, to qualify to contest.
The Cabinet's latest directive signals an effort to strengthen accountability within ministries and ensure that key development projects continue progressing despite the anticipated exit of officials seeking political office.
