Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Mutahi Kagwe was Monday awarded the Distinguished Leadership in Public Service Award during the unveiling of the Brand Africa 100.
Kagwe, who previously served as Health CS, was honoured for his transformative contributions to Kenya’s public
health and digital infrastructure, particularly during his tenure as Health CS.
His leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic and his previous work in the
telecommunications sector were singled out as exemplary.
The award spotlighted how public service leadership can play a central role
in shaping a nation’s image and advancing development.
“I was recognised for my leadership in the
public sector as representing something that added value to the people of
Kenya,” Kagwe said after receiving the award.
“But I want to add a rider: I am not alone. The award that I got today
goes very strongly to the teams that I have always worked with.”
The award ceremony, held at The Capital Club in Nairobi, was a collaboration
between Brand Africa, Gina Din Group, and The Capital Club.
It brought together leaders in business, government, media, and civil
society to celebrate individuals and brands driving positive change across the
continent.
Kagwe emphasised the collaborative nature of public service, crediting his
achievements to the professionals who worked with him. “
They recognised my role in the telecommunications sector, but I worked with
a big team. These are the people who did the things I am being awarded for.”
Kagwe also reflected on the team that managed
Kenya’s COVID-19 response
. “I was the chair of the COVID-19 National Response Committee, but it was a
multi-agency team. Within the Ministry of Health, we had people like Dr.
Patrick Amoth, Susan Mochache, and Dr. Mercy Mwangangi. We had doctors, nurses,
frontline workers. I just symbolise the work that they did. This award belongs
to them.”
Now in its 15th year, Brand Africa 100 is one
of the continent’s most authoritative and consumer-led brand survey, conducted
across 31 African countries representing 85% of Africa’s population and GDP.
The 2025 edition ranked the Top 100
Most Admired Brands in Africa and introduced the inaugural Brand Africa Hall of
Fame, recognising brands with more than five years of consistent high
performance.
“Great nations are built on strong
institutions and trusted brands,” a Brand Africa spokesperson said.
“Tonight, we celebrate both.”
