Senior Gov't officers reflect on integrity, trust at public service thanksgiving

Senior government officers on Wednesday evening attended the 3rd Thanksgiving Service for Public Servants, a forum that highlighted the importance of integrity, accountability, and principled service in public office.

The service, held at All Saints’ Cathedral, was presided over by the Provost, Rev. Canon Evans Omollo.

The Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service, Felix Koskei, led the senior team of staff accompanied by the Deputy Head of Public Service, Amos Gathecha.

Also in attendance were Cabinet Secretaries Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), Rebecca Miano (Tourism and Wildlife), and Alice Wahome (Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development).

Principal Secretaries included Stephen Isaboke (Broadcasting and Telecommunications) and Eng. John Tanui (ICT and Digital Economy), alongside other senior government officials.

Addressing the congregation, Koskei called for integrity and transparency in government service delivery, urging public servants to uphold the principles of serving the nation.

He acknowledged the challenges in public service, particularly when resources are scarce and systems are under strain, but reminded officers of their higher responsibility.

“You are stewards of the people’s resources. You are guardians of the people’s hope. That is a sacred responsibility—and you do not carry it alone. That said, we must also be honest. Public service can be exhausting. When resources are constrained and systems move slowly, cynicism can easily take root. I ask you today: do not lose your ‘why.’ Do not allow bureaucracy to harden your heart. Remember the passion you carried on your very first day of service,” he said.

“Public service is a sacred calling, measured not by profit, but by peace in our streets, fairness in our laws, and stability in our nation. Your work may be quiet, but its impact speaks powerfully in the lives of the citizens we serve.”

Rev. Canon Evans Omollo highlighted the central role of trust in leadership, saying: “Trust is the foundation of leadership—without it, public confidence collapses and government itself begins to crumble.”

Echoing the call for ethical leadership, Arthur Osiya, Principal Administrative Secretary at the Public Service Commission, said the thanksgiving service was a moment for public officers to recommit to their duties.

“This gathering calls upon all public servants to enter the New Year with renewed resolve, to lead ethically, act decisively in the public interest, and strengthen confidence in public institutions through their daily choices. We are deeply grateful for this important innovation initiated under your leadership, which gives us an opportunity to give thanks to God, rededicate ourselves to our calling, and reflect on our country, mindful of the trust placed in us by the citizens we are privileged to serve,” said Osiya.

Held under the theme ‘Stewards of Trust: Giving Thanks Through Lives of Service with Integrity,’ the service provided an opportunity for reflection on the responsibilities entrusted to public servants.

Leaders present reaffirmed their commitment to principled leadership, ethical conduct, and dedicated service in the delivery and stewardship of government programmes.