Labour and Skills Development Principal Secretary Shadrack Mwadime has been recognised for exemplary financial stewardship, receiving the Financial Excellence Reporting Award at this year’s FiRe Awards ceremony, held last night at the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi.
PS Mwadime accepted the award on behalf of the State Department, which emerged top among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) for its adherence to the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).
The recognition, organisers said, reflects strong financial controls, transparency, and compliance with global reporting benchmarks.
An elated Mwadime said the award was a testament to the department’s dedication to safeguarding public funds and upholding accountability in the management of government resources.
“This award reaffirms our unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent use of public resources,” he said.
The recognition, he noted, reflects the hard work of the entire team at the State Department for Labour and Skills Development.
"We will continue strengthening our financial systems to ensure every shilling is accounted for and used to improve the lives of Kenyan workers," he stated.
The FiRe Awards, formally known as the Financial Reporting (FiRe) Awards, celebrate institutional excellence in financial reporting, strong governance structures, risk management, and sustainability disclosures across East Africa.
The Judicial Service Commission emerged as the overall winner in the IPSAS cash basis of reporting category under the Constitutional Commissions and Independent Offices category.
Other winners were KCB under the integrated reporting category, Centum (Commercial services), IRA (Regulatory agencies), Bamburi cement (Manufacturing), Absa (Banks), Kibwezi west (Ng-cdf), Stima sacco (Saccos) and Alupe university (Public universities).
The awards bring together regulators, professional bodies, private companies, and public sector institutions to promote integrity and openness in financial practices.
This year’s edition placed special emphasis on the quality of public sector reporting, given the critical role of government agencies in driving national development and managing large public budgets.
Institutions were assessed on accuracy, completeness, clarity, and alignment with both local and international reporting standards.
Mwadime’s State Department was singled out for demonstrating consistent improvement in reporting quality, well-documented financial processes, and effective internal controls that enhance public trust.
The event was attended by key national leaders and oversight officials, underscoring the importance of accountability in governance.
Among the dignitaries present were National Assembly Finance Committee Chair Hon. Kimani Kuria and Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o, who both commended the progress made by public institutions in embracing transparent reporting practices.
They noted that strong financial reporting not only strengthens public confidence but also supports better planning, efficient service delivery, and responsible use of taxpayer funds.
The recognition positions the State Department for Labour and Skills Development as a model for other MDAs aiming to align their reporting systems with global standards.
With the award now under its belt, the department says it will intensify its efforts to modernise financial management systems, invest in staff capacity, and adopt technological tools that promote real-time transparency.
