Government Celebrates Top Public Institutions for Integrity, Clean Audits and Transformative Service Delivery
Similarly, Principal Secretaries who diligently implemented the Presidential Directives and Cabinet decisions were commended for ensuring that national policies are effectively executed at ground level.
Regulatory bodies often the face of Government to businesses and citizens had a strong showing on the honours list. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
Public institutions demonstrating outstanding integrity, exemplary audit performance, and results-driven service delivery were recognized at a prestigious national ceremony hosted in Kisumu. The 2025 End of Year Public Service Reflection Dinner and Awards brought together top government leaders organized by the Office of the Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service to honour ministries, State departments, and agencies that are raising the bar in governance.
Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said the awards were a strong indication that reforms in accountability and performance are firmly taking root. He described the recognised institutions as role models who are “setting uncompromising standards as the new minimum for public officers,” emphasizing that the reforms are reshaping how government delivers services.
Present during the colourful event were Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, heads of State corporations, leaders of constitutional commissions, and senior administrators, all in celebration of strides made in strengthening public sector governance.
Central to the awards was the Zero Fault Audit campaign, a reform drive that encourages government entities to secure unmodified audit opinions from the Office of the Auditor-General. Institutions that attained clean audits were applauded for prudent financial management, enhanced internal controls and a disciplined approach to public spending. Organizers described these achievements as an indicator that public finance accountability is improving across the government.
But the evening was more than about audit excellence. A number of institutions were recognised for turning internal operations around and becoming efficient. A category was dedicated to celebrating leadership in performance improvement, highlighting public bodies that have invested in capacity building of staff, innovativeness, and rigorous follow-through on government directives.
Regulatory agencies, among the most visible arms of government to both the public and private sectors, figured prominently in the list of honourees. Agencies responsible for construction, aviation, environmental protection, public health, energy, agriculture and social protection were recognised for strengthening regulatory enforcement, enhancing stakeholder engagement and delivering practical socio-economic benefits through improved service delivery.
Operational discipline and compliance stood out. The institutions and officers that adhered to the Foreign Travel Information Management System consistently were honoured for bringing about transparency and accountability in official travel. Similarly, Principal Secretaries who diligently implemented the Presidential Directives and Cabinet decisions were commended for ensuring that national policies are effectively executed at ground level.
The awards further recognized the ministries and public agencies that represented Kenyan innovations at the Africa Public Sector Conference and Awards. Their participation not only highlighted Kenya’s progress in public sector reforms but also positioned the country as a regional leader in governance transformation.
Speakers throughout the ceremony underscored that the awards symbolised a cultural shift in government—the kind anchored in integrity, measurable performance and respect for public resources. As Kenya looks towards 2026, these institutions celebrated here in Kisumu are expected to continue playing the role of trailblazers with their high standards setting the pace for excellence throughout the Public Service.
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