Busia’s Moment of Glory: County Sweeps Top Honours at Bobea Awards

Busia County stood tall at the 2025 edition of the Bobea Leadership Awards, held at the prestigious KCB Leadership Centre in Karen, as it swept through the evening with an impressive list of accolades that highlighted the county’s commitment to progressive leadership, human rights advocacy, and public service excellence.

In a ceremony dedicated to celebrating exemplary leaders across various sectors, Busia’s leadership team emerged as a standout, taking home multiple awards that underscored the region’s dedication to transformative governance and grassroots empowerment.

Women Power in Action

Busia County’s Women Representative Catherine Nakhabi Omanyo was honored with the Best Performing Women Rep on NGAAF Allocation award. This recognition not only applauded her strategic and transparent use of the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) but also spotlighted her continued efforts in uplifting women, youth, and vulnerable groups in the region.

Her commitment to inclusion and community-centered initiatives has been praised as a model for other counties looking to make affirmative action a vehicle for real, sustainable development.

Senator Okiya Omtata: The People’s Voice

Busia’s firebrand Senator, Okiya Omtata, received the Best Civil Rights Champion award—an accolade that acknowledged his unwavering dedication to safeguarding civil liberties, defending the Constitution, and holding institutions to account.

Omtata, known nationally for his bold legal activism and fearless courtroom battles, was celebrated for being a consistent voice for the voiceless, always placing justice and public interest at the center of his legislative and civic engagement.

Dr. Susan Outa: Excellence in Public Service

Another major win for Busia County came through Dr. Susan Outa, who was named the Most Outstanding Chief Officer.

Her recognition highlighted a career marked by dedication to efficiency, innovation, and service delivery excellence within the county government structures.

Dr. Outa’s work has been instrumental in improving health systems and administrative operations in Busia, making her a shining example of technocratic leadership in the devolved government system.

National Standouts Also Recognized

While Busia County led the night, other notable personalities were also celebrated at the Bobea Leadership Awards 2025. Comedian and activist Eric Omondi walked away with the Politically Upright Public Figure Award, honoring his continued push for youth inclusion and clean governance.

An elated Eric Omondi took to his platforms to thank his supporters, saying:

“Team Sisi Kwa Sisi, we won last night at the Bobea Leadership Awards held at the KCB Leadership Centre, Karen. I can never thank you people enough, but as usual, najua God will visit each one of you personally. God bless.”

READ ALSO: The Journey of Dr. Susan Outa: A Story of Resilience and Public Service in Kenya

Fellow comedian Blessed Njugush was named first runner-up in the same category, showcasing how entertainers continue to inspire civic engagement through satire and social commentary.

Meanwhile, the government’s public communications team was also recognized, with Government Spokesman Isaac Mwaura’s show, Bonga na Spokes, Sema na Gava, earning first runner-up for Most Informative Show, acknowledging its impact in educating Kenyans about government policies and national development initiatives.

A Night of Impact and Inspiration

The Bobea Leadership Awards continue to set the pace as a platform for recognizing exemplary leadership and civic responsibility.

This year’s edition placed Busia County in the spotlight, showing what committed, ethical, and visionary leadership can achieve at the county level.

With leaders like Omtata, Dr. Outa, and the county’s Women Rep setting the pace, Busia County has truly earned its place on the national map as a beacon of hope, progress, and principled leadership.