Principal Secretary (PS) for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), Dr. Esther Thaara Muoria, has been recognised with two prestigious national awards for exemplary leadership, accountability, and transformative stewardship in the public service. The honours underscore the government’s commitment to strengthening performance, improving service delivery, and expanding meaningful opportunities for Kenyan youth.
Dr. Muoria received the awards for Achievement of an Unmodified Audit Opinion and Transformational Leadership during the 2025 End of Year Public Service Reflection Dinner and Agenda-Setting Retreat held at the Tom Mboya Labour College in Kisumu. The recognitions highlight her central role in driving far-reaching reforms in the TVET sector, entrenching financial integrity, and championing a skills-centred training model aligned with national development priorities.
An unmodified audit opinion is considered one of the strongest indicators of prudent management of public funds and sound internal controls. The Transformational Leadership Award reflects her success in modernising TVET institutions, strengthening governance structures, improving operational efficiency, and promoting a performance-driven culture across the State Department.
Speaking after receiving the honours, Dr. Muoria expressed gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to the ongoing reforms. “I give glory and honour to God for this recognition. It is a humbling affirmation of what can be achieved when an entire ecosystem moves with unity of purpose,” she said.
She dedicated the awards to the State Department for TVET staff, partners, and trainees across the country, acknowledging their resilience and innovation. “I wholeheartedly dedicate these prizes to the State Department for TVET and to our noble trainees whose creativity, determination, and ambition fuel the reform journey. Every milestone reflects their courage to learn, innovate, and build a stronger Kenya,” she noted.
Dr. Muoria added that the recognitions would energise efforts to build a TVET system grounded in opportunity, dignity, and global competitiveness for all learners.
The retreat was presided over by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, with National Treasury and Economic Planning Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi serving as Chief Guest. It brought together Cabinet Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, legislators, and heads of constitutional commissions to review 2025 achievements and set performance priorities for 2026.
Governance experts at the event said Dr. Muoria’s accolades set a benchmark for excellence across ministries, noting that clean audits and reform-oriented leadership signify integrity, innovation, and disciplined public service delivery.
As the public service prepares for 2026, the honours bestowed upon Dr. Muoria highlight the ongoing shift toward transparent, citizen-centred governance and measurable improvements in service delivery across the country.
By Joan Ogolla
