The State Department for Public Health has been recognised as the 2025 winner of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Awards.
The UN SDG awards recognise individuals and initiatives driving transformative action towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Adopted in 2015, the SDGs aim to end poverty and hunger, ensure health, education, gender equality, access to clean water, affordable energy, decent work, climate action, protection of oceans and land, and the establishment of strong institutions by 2030.
According to Public Health Principal Secretary Mary Muthoni, the award recognised the department's dedication to ensuring stronger health systems, professional standards, and improved public health services in the country.
Muthoni further noted that the award was made possible by the laborious efforts put in by health stakeholders in the country to ensure Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
"This recognition celebrates our commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through stronger health systems, professional standards, and improved public health services for all," Muthoni stated in a social media post on Sunday, December 14.
She added, "We dedicate this award to: Our frontline health workers, our partners and stakeholders, and the communities we serve every day. Together, we are building a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future."
The announcement comes barely a week after the Ministry of Defense was also recognised as the country's best-performing public institution.
The Ministry bagged the award after winning four national awards for excellence in financial reporting, accountability, and public sector leadership at the 2025 Financial Reporting Awards (FiRe).
In a statement, the Kenya Defence Forces said that the ministry also received two additional awards from the Office of the Head of Public Service: the Unmodified Audit Opinion Award and the Leadership in Driving the Public Service Transformation Agenda 2025 Award.
The awards were presented to Defense Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya by Defence Principal Secretary Patrick Mariru at the Defence Headquarters on Wednesday, December 10.
“These awards affirm the Ministry of Defence’s unwavering commitment to excellence, integrity, and responsible stewardship of public resources. Our civilian and uniformed teams continue to demonstrate the highest standards of public service,” Tuya said.
