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.
Felix Koskei has played a pivotal role in introducing transformative systems to enhance the efficiency and transparency of Kenya's public service. Notably, the Presidential Directives Management Information System (PDMIS) and the Foreign Travel Management Information System (FOTIMS) are key innovations under his leadership. The PDMIS improves the management and tracking of presidential directives across ministries, while FOTIMS streamlines the foreign travel approval process for senior officials, reducing delays and enhancing accountability. These reforms are part of a broader digital transformation aimed at modernising government operations and increasing transparency, aligning with President Ruto’s vision of a more efficient public service
His recognition came as a result of his transformative leadership and pivotal role in driving reforms across Kenya’s public service sector. Under Koskei's leadership, significant efforts have been made to modernise and streamline government processes, with a strong focus on digital transformation, efficiency, and citizen-centric service delivery. Koskei's reforms, including digitisation initiatives and performance-based evaluations of public servants, have played a key role in improving service delivery and transparency. His leadership has also been central to the restructuring of government operations, ensuring that public service agencies are more responsive and accountable. These efforts, all part of the broader vision set by President William Ruto’s administration, aim to create a government that works effectively for all citizens, eliminating inefficiencies and tackling the culture of impunity that previously plagued the public sector. His leadership has set a new standard for governance, both in Kenya and across the African continent.
During the APSCA ceremony, Koskei addressed public servants, urging them to accelerate these reforms and continue improving the government’s responsiveness. He acknowledged the challenges inherited by the administration but highlighted the significant progress made in a short time, calling on all public servants to embrace a culture of professionalism, responsibility, and service to the people. This award, given less than two years into the administration, is a testament to the rapid changes Koskei and his team have instigated. It highlights the impact of a leadership committed to restoring public trust and building a more effective, accountable, and transparent public service. His award not only acknowledges past achievements but also serves as a reminder of the ongoing journey to elevate Kenya’s public service to new heights. Mr. Akin Naphtal disclosed that, Mr. Koskei is among African leaders the APSCA had been tracking for over 10 years.
