Expansion of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Staff growing from 145 members to an impressive 683 staffers over two years.

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After his assumption of office, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s administration saw an expansion of his team, growing from 145 members to an impressive 683 staffers over two years. 

This surge encompassed a wide range of roles across technical, advisory and administrative fields, shaping a robust operational framework in the office.

When Gachagua stepped into his role, he found an existing team that included skilled advisors, technical experts, and essential support personnel. With some of his staffers moving to other roles in politics such as Anthony Kibagendi, now the MP for Kitutu Chache South and John Chikati, who secured the seat for Tongaren constituency, an opportunity arose to revamp the office structure. 

Over the following months, these vacancies led to a overhaul of staffing under the guidance of the Public Service Commission.

In April 2023, PSC authorized an increase, adding 56 new positions, which brought the team total to 683.

Among the updates, new offices for advisors in areas like trade, education and economic strategy were established, reflecting an ambition to expand the office’s capacity for policy implementation and development initiatives. 

Notably, 39 supernumerary positions were filled, a marked increase compared to the 11 staff in similar roles during the previous administration.

Gachagua’s office also supported his spouse’s activities, assigning 87 personnel, while previously, fewer positions were held in this capacity. 

The office saw the addition of departments that had been absent during his predecessor’s tenure, such as a full legal services unit staffed with State Counsels and technical positions like architects and engineers to oversee maintenance, communications and facilities management.

While reshaping the office's operational structure, PSC greenlit numerous promotions across hospitality and healthcare roles.

 In an effort to manage workflow effectively, new positions like Grounds and Gardens Assistant were established, with hiring guided by practical needs.

Gachagua’s office also saw growth in the communication department, with 35 staff members (previously a department without dedicated personnel) catering to media relations and internal communications. 

A unique sector for video and film services was introduced, staffed with seven professionals for enhanced visual documentation and public outreach.

A wide-ranging expansion continued through other critical areas such as the Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council and the newly formed International Development Partnerships Coordination Unit, further supporting Gachagua’s initiatives in regional and international development.

The office also set up specific project units for key sectors, assigning staff to newly introduced roles for initiatives in coffee, tea, and dairy sector reforms as well as establishing teams under the North Eastern Development Initiative (NEDI).

Gachagua also bolstered his office’s political engagement, placing 11 staff members in the Political Affairs Unit to support strategic policy and governance matters.

As PSC continues to refine the organizational structure, with departments for operations and coordination also brought into play, Gachagua’s tenure demonstrates an intent to craft a diverse and responsive administrative workforce to navigate the shifting demands of national governance.