A major wave of departures is expected at the office of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki as several public servants prepare to leave their positions to vie for elective seats in the 2027 General Election.
Officials from the Deputy President’s office informed Parliament that an extra KSh95.4 million included in the 2026/27 budget estimates has been earmarked for gratuity payments to staff expected to exit public service and venture into politics.
The disclosure emerged after legislators questioned the notable rise in the personal emoluments allocation.
According to a senior official identified as Mbarku, most employees in the office serve on contract terms, and many have already indicated plans to resign in order to pursue political ambitions. He explained that the increased allocation is also meant to cater for gratuity obligations and growing personnel expenses.
The expected resignations are tied to Kenyan legal requirements. A 2022 Court of Appeal ruling that upheld an earlier High Court decision requires all state and public officers seeking elective office to resign at least six months before a general election.
For the 2027 elections, the resignation deadline is expected to fall around February 2027. The appellate court had previously dismissed efforts to allow public officers contesting the 2022 elections to remain in office longer.
Several prominent government figures are already said to be considering political bids. Among them are State House Comptroller Katoo Ole Metito, KRA Board member Ndiritu Murithi, and Cabinet Secretaries including Soipan Tuya, William Kabogo, Lee Kinyanjui, Rebecca Miano, Alice Wahome, and Wycliffe Oparanya.
Even with the added funding, Mbarku noted that the Deputy President’s office is still grappling with a substantial budget deficit.
While the office had initially been allocated KSh3.581 billion under the Budget Policy Statement, it estimates that KSh4.548 billion will be needed to fully implement its programs in the 2026/27 financial year.
Following the revised allocation of KSh3.676 billion, the office is still facing a shortfall of about KSh871.9 million.
With political activity ahead of the 2027 elections intensifying, more resignation announcements are expected from senior government officials in the months ahead.