Felix Koskei Receives Prestigious Transformational Leadership Award for Public Service Excellence
Felix Koskei, Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, was officially presented with the Transformational Leadership in Public Service Award during a prestigious ceremony at the Bomas of Kenya on December 10, 2024. This award, conferred by the Africa Public Sector Conference and Awards (APSCA), recognised Koskei’s outstanding contributions to transforming Kenya’s public sector. The award had been initially announced at the APSCA summit in Gaborone, Botswana, on October 3–4, 2024.
The ceremony at Bomas was attended by distinguished leaders from various sectors. Key figures present included Mr. Akin Naphtal, the convenor of the APSCA Awards, who praised Koskei’s visionary leadership in reshaping Kenya’s public service. Also in attendance were Solicitor General Shadrack Mose, Principal Secretaries, the Inspector General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja, Chief Registrar of the Judiciary Winrida Mokaya, Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakango, as well as chairs and CEOs of various state corporations and institutions. Numerous civil servants were also present to witness the occasion, which highlighted the significant progress made under Koskei’s stewardship.
In his acceptance speech, Koskei expressed deep gratitude for the recognition, dedicating the award to the people of Kenya and the collective efforts of the civil service in driving reform. “This award is a testament to the hard work of every public servant in Kenya who is committed to ensuring that government services are efficient, transparent, and responsive to the needs of our citizens,” he said. He also acknowledged the leadership of President William Ruto, under whose guidance the public service has experienced transformative change.
The Transformational Leadership in Public Service Award is one of APSCA’s most prestigious honours, designed to recognise leaders who have made remarkable strides in innovation, transparency, and public service reform. APSCA, organised annually by InstinctWave, serves as Africa’s leading platform for celebrating and fostering excellence in public governance.
This year’s conference, which took place in Botswana, focused on the theme Promoting Innovation for Sustainable Development, drawing together leaders from across the continent to discuss the future of public service.
Koskei’s leadership has been instrumental in advancing a series of transformative reforms that have significantly improved Kenya’s public service landscape. These initiatives include the introduction of the FOTIMS (Front Office and Technical Integrated Management System), which has streamlined inter-departmental operations and enhanced coordination across ministries. Another key reform, the PODIMS (Public Offices Digitisation Management System), has digitised essential administrative processes, improving transparency and reducing inefficiencies in government operations.
Koskei has also overseen major reforms in regulatory agencies, aimed at reducing bureaucratic red tape and increasing operational efficiency. His administration has introduced performance-based assessments in state corporations, helping them become more accountable and aligned with national development goals. These efforts have not only improved public service delivery but have also built a more accountable, transparent, and efficient public sector. This comprehensive approach to reform has been a cornerstone of his tenure and is a major reason behind the recognition he received with the Transformational Leadership in Public Service Award. His leadership has set a new standard for governance, both in Kenya and across the African continent.
The conferment of the award at the Bomas of Kenya was a moment of national pride, acknowledging not only Koskei’s individual contributions but also the progress Kenya has made in governance and public service transformation. It marked a significant moment in the country’s journey towards greater accountability, efficiency, and service to the people.
