BY KURIAN MUSA

As a young student at the University of Nairobi (UoN), Geoffrey Mosiria would often spend his evenings rallying fellow students to clean up their hostels and plant trees around the campus.

“I believed then, as I do now, that leadership begins with small, intentional acts of service,” he recalls.

That same passion for environmental conservation and leadership has now earned him national recognition as Kenya’s Best Chief Officer.

He got the prestigious recognition during the StarLeaders Awards hosted by Politrack Africa Ltd at the JW Marriott Hotel in Nairobi.

The award honors Mosiria’s outstanding leadership and dedication to environmental conservation, sustainable waste management, and innovative green initiatives that have transformed Nairobi’s environmental landscape.

“This award is not just about me; it is about the people of Nairobi. Their resilience, commitment, and collaboration have made this achievement possible. I dedicate this recognition to them,” said Mosiria.

Mosiria’s journey in public service traces back to his days as a student leader at the UoN where he demonstrated a passion for leadership and governance.

“Leading at the University of Nairobi taught me that leadership is about service and impact. It prepared me for the bigger responsibilities I have taken on over the years,” he reflected.

Serving as a student leader, he was actively involved in advocating for student rights, organizing community service initiatives, and fostering a culture of academic excellence and social responsibility among his peers.

His tenure is remembered for effective representation and the implementation of programs that addressed both academic and extracurricular needs of the student body.

His leadership capabilities caught the attention of former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who brought him into the county administration, where he played a significant role in youth empowerment and development programs.

During Sonko’s tenure, Mosiria was actively involved in initiatives aimed at improving service delivery, especially in environmental conservation and community-based programs. One of his most notable contributions was at Pumwani Maternity Hospital, where he oversaw key projects to enhance maternal and neonatal healthcare.

“At Pumwani, we prioritized the well-being of mothers and newborns by introducing modern medical equipment and upgrading infrastructure. It was a transformative journey,” he stated.

These included the installation of modern medical equipment, such as electric operating tables, anesthetic machines, baby warmers, resuscitators, and ultrasound machines, significantly improving the quality of care provided to mothers and newborns.

Mosiria also played a crucial role in the launch of the Human Milk Bank, making Pumwani the first facility in East and Central Africa to establish such a program, ensuring vulnerable infants received essential nutrition.

Additionally, he oversaw infrastructure upgrades, including the renovation of old structures, the establishment of a High Dependency Unit (HDU), and the installation of an oxygen-generating plant to enhance the hospital’s capacity to handle complex maternal and neonatal cases.6

Under the current administration of Governor Johnson Sakaja, Mosiria has been instrumental in driving transformative environmental policies and projects.

“Our focus has been on making Nairobi a clean, green, and sustainable city. We are tackling waste management head-on, restoring green spaces, and educating residents on sustainability,” he said.

As the Chief Officer for Environment, he has led significant advancements in waste management, noise pollution control, and the restoration of green spaces across Nairobi.

His leadership has also championed environmental education programs aimed at fostering a culture of sustainability among Nairobi residents.

Speaking after receiving the award, Mosiria extended his gratitude to Governor Johnson Sakaja for his unwavering support in championing environmental policies.

“Governor Sakaja has been a great pillar of support. His vision for a better Nairobi aligns with our efforts, and together, we are making an impact,” he noted.

He also praised the entire Nairobi County environment team for their relentless efforts in implementing key projects and initiatives.

The StarLeaders Awards recognize exemplary leadership and outstanding service delivery by public servants across the country.

Mosiria’s achievement as the top-ranked Chief Officer underscores his commitment to transforming Nairobi into a model city for environmental sustainability.

“This is just the beginning. We will continue working towards a cleaner and greener Nairobi, ensuring future generations inherit a city they can be proud of,” he said.

His dedication continues to inspire a vision for a cleaner andb6j greener Nairobi, setting a precedent for future leaders in public service.