Thamani Africa Awards 2026; Lamu’s Khadija Fumo Emerge Continental 'Outstanding Chief Officer'

By The COAST Reporter

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Lamu County Government is celebrating a historic milestone following the victory of Ms Khadija Fumo Khalifa who officially won the coveted Outstanding Chief Officer category at the prestigious Thamani Africa Awards 2026.

The County’s structural approach to public service and grassroots diplomacy has received premier continental validation.

Ms Fumo, the chief officer for the department of public service management (PSM) and administration was crowned the prestigious trophy.

Held at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa, the high-level pan-African gala brought together monumental regional figures.

Ms. Fumo took center stage as a category winner alongside continental icons, including Kenya’s UNEP Permanent Representative Mama Ida Odinga and South Sudan’s historic first female Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior.

Amidst this powerful fraternity of African matriarchs, Ms. Fumo’s grand win cements her County’s status as a pioneer in community-first public service delivery.

A Winning Model in Public Service Management (PSM)

Operating directly under the executive vision of Lamu Governor Issa Timamy, the Department of Public Service Management has transitioned from a routine administrative wing into a dynamic vehicle for socio-economic stability.

Her prize-winning approach systematically re-engineered county human resource assets, enhanced public service accountability, and bridged the historical gap between local administration and borderland citizens.

The jewel of this institutional transformation is the Directorate of Peace, an essential unit anchored directly under her portfolio.

At a time when regional stability dictates economic success, her award-winning leadership has turned the Directorate into a flagship national model for soft-power diplomacy, successfully positioning peacebuilding as an essential public utility.

The Directorate of Peace: Key Institutional Milestones

Under her direct strategic guidance, the PSM department and its Directorate of Peace have achieved critical breakthroughs:

Countering Radicalisation with Livelihoods: Orchestrated vital partnerships with international agencies (including USAID and IOM) to roll out alternative economic frameworks, effectively steering at-risk borderland youth away from violent extremism.

Grassroots Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR): Structured and empowered local peace committees, institutionalising traditional mediation mechanisms that rapidly de-escalate resource-based and land conflicts.

Inclusive Public Policy: Drafted and implemented targeted county administrative policies that guarantee the inclusion of marginalized indigenous populations, particularly women and youth, in regional security dialogues.

Climate Security Infrastructure: Pioneered the integration of environmental management with peacebuilding, addressing resource scarcities driven by climate change before they morph into community conflicts.

Statements of Leadership & Dedication

“Alhamdulillah. Winning this continental award is not a personal triumph, but a definitive validation of the hard work happening inside the Lamu County Department of Public Service Management,” the chief officer stated. “Under the profound leadership of Governor Issa Timamy, we have proven that peace is the ultimate foundation of public service. I dedicate this victory to my diligent team at the PSM and the resilient citizens of Lamu. Your unwavering trust drives our administrative commitment to sustainable excellence.”

The executive secretariat of the Thamani Africa Awards noted that Fumo’s transition from a rigorous corporate finance background at Deloitte to the front lines of devolved governance serves as an inspiring blueprint for impactful public service management across Africa.