President Ruto appoints ex-CS Owalo to lead new efficiency office

President William Ruto has appointed Eliud Owalo to head the newly established Government Efficiency Office.

This position, according to State House, signals the Kenya Kwanza administration’s commitment to making government operations more efficient and ensuring that public resources are used wisely.

The appointment was formalised under Executive Order No. 1 of 2025, issued on June 9. This order reorganises government structures to boost operational effectiveness.

The new office is modelled after the UK's Office for Value for Money and the USA’s Department of Government Efficiency, formerly led by Elon Musk.

Its goal is to work closely with several key government agencies, including the National Treasury, the Office of the Auditor General and the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

Owalo, known for his results-driven approach, previously served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance and Delivery Management and was also the Cabinet Secretary for ICT and the Digital Economy.

During his time in that role, the Ministry of ICT was recognised as the least corrupt by the EACC. This track record has made him a strong choice for leading the new office.

The creation of the efficiency office comes in response to rising public dissatisfaction with government inefficiencies and corruption.

Many Kenyans have expressed frustration over stalled infrastructure projects and unclear procurement processes. This has led to a decline in trust in public institutions, making reforms even more urgent.

President Ruto has stressed the need for these changes. He believes that the new office is crucial for restoring accountability and efficiency in public service.

As the 2027 election approach, the head of state is also keen to show a strong record of delivery that meets citizens’ needs.

“Kenyans deserve a government that works, where delivery is not an afterthought but the standard,” he said.

The efficiency office is located in the Office of the President, highlighting the importance of operational reforms. Under Owalo’s leadership, the office will operate with guidance from Chief of Staff Felix Koskei, ensuring that political will translates into effective actions.

Owalo’s main goal is to enhance government efficiency and lead anti-corruption efforts across various ministries. He has been a strong advocate for independence in government delivery systems, which positions him well, to address issues such as political interference and ghost contracts. As he oversees the Government Delivery Unit, he plans to bring discipline and transparency to government operations.

With the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda at the forefront of Ruto's vision, he will align government delivery systems with this transformative plan.

The establishment of the efficiency office represents a shift from talk to action, focusing on delivering tangible results and ensuring that public funds are spent wisely.