Hassan Joho, Kimani Wamatangi Among Top Leaders Honoured at Bobea Leadership Awards
- Several leaders were honoured at a national awards ceremony celebrating exemplary public service across various government and civil society categories
- The event followed a rigorous national voting and nomination process that identified top performers in politics, governance, and public administration
- Awardees included individuals from county, national, and civic sectors, recognised for impactful leadership and commitment to service delivery
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features for digital and print media.
Nairobi: The 2024 Bobea Leadership Awards had honoured top-performing leaders across various levels of government and civil society during a colourful ceremony held on Friday, July 18, at the KCB Leadership Centre.
Source: Facebook
The awards followed a nationwide voting process that closed on July 15, after the nomination of 120 leaders across 12 categories.
Among the key categories were best-performing governors, senators, male MPs, political analysts, county executive committee members (CECMs), and special recognition awards.
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TUKO.co.ke attended the event, where several recipients received their golden and silver trophies in person, while others sent representatives.
Who are the best-performing leaders?
Best-performing governors
Kiambu governor Kimani Wamatangi was crowned the best-performing governor.
Supporters cited his impactful development record and transformative projects during his nearly three-year term. He was closely followed by Homa Bay governor Gladys Wanga.
Top senators
The award for best-performing senator went to Edwin Sifuna of Nairobi county, with Boni Khalwale of Kakamega taking second place.
Cabinet secretaries
Former Mombasa governor turned Cabinet Secretary for the Blue Economy, Ali Hassan Joho, was recognised as the best CS alongside his Treasury counterpart, John Mbadi, for their leadership in the national government.
The duo was appointed after President William Ruto reshuffled his Cabinet following the historic Gen Z protests in June 2024.
MPs – NG-CDF allocation
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino emerged the best-performing MP in the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) category, followed by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro.
Both were awarded in absentia.
Source: Facebook
Most outstanding legislator
Nominated senator Crystal Asige received the honorary Most Outstanding Legislature Award.
Best MCA
The award for best-performing Member of County Assembly (MCA) went to Boniface Osanga of Khalaba Ward, Kakamega county.
Osanga attributed his victory to community-centred initiatives and transformative projects in his ward.
Political analyst
David Wafula was named the best political analyst, though he was not present to receive his award.
Best-performing CECMs
In the County Executive category, Jamal A. Runyenjes, Embu county CEC in charge of Health, took the top spot.
He was followed by Kenneth Ambani of Mombasa county, who headed the Public Service, Youth, Gender, and Sports docket.
Ambani dedicated his award to the people of Mombasa and Governor Abdulswamad Nassir. Beatrice Odongo, Kisumu county’s CEC for Sports and Culture, earned third place.
Source: Instagram
Politically upright figure
Comedian Eric Omondi was recognised for his civic engagement through the Sisi Kwa Sisi initiative, which supports vulnerable Kenyans.
Blessed Njugush also received special mention in the second place and encouraged Kenyans to remain committed to justice despite political uncertainties ahead of the 2027 elections.
Human Rights Activism
Busia senator Okiya Omtatah won the Human Rights Activist Award, followed by renowned activist Boniface Mwangi.
Both were acknowledged for their unwavering advocacy, especially during the past public protests.
Best performing parastatal CEOs
The award for best-performing CEO of a parastatal went to Joel Wamalwa of the Lake Victoria North Water Works Development Agency.
He was followed by June Chepkemei, CEO of the Kenya Tourism Board.
Which county had most wins at Bobea Awards?
Busia county had a stellar showing at the Bobea Leadership Awards, with its leaders taking home several top honours in recognition of their exemplary service and leadership.
In the category of best-performing woman representative on the NGAAF Allocation, Busia’s woman representative, Catherine Omanyo, was recognised for her outstanding role in championing affirmative action and empowering women and youth through sustainable development initiatives.
Source: Facebook
Senator Omtatah was honoured as the Best Civil Rights Champion, a testament to his relentless advocacy for human rights and civil liberties.
His vocal stance on constitutionalism and governance has made him a respected figure in national discourse.
In the county government category, Susan Outa was named the most outstanding chief officer, applauded for her dedication to public service and effective leadership within the county’s administrative structure.
What did Kenneth Ambani say after his award?
Meanwhile, Kenneth Ambani expressed his deep gratitude after receiving the national award, saying the recognition reflects the collective efforts of Mombasa’s county executive under Governor Abdulswamad Nassir.
He highlighted the demanding nature of his past role, which oversees public service staff, youth, women, and PWDs.
He described the nomination alone as a major win and credited the team spirit within the county leadership.
Ambani also hinted at taking on new duties within or beyond the county, as his contract-based term ended.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
