The Office of the President has issued a directive cautioning Ministers of State, Chief Executive Officers of State Institutions, and other public officials against participating in or accepting awards from private organisations that claim to recognise public office holders.
According to the statement, many of these organisations are largely unknown, with unclear credentials and no transparent or verifiable criteria for assessing performance.
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The Presidency expressed concern that the proliferation of such awards could undermine the integrity of public service and create public misconceptions about how government performance is assessed.
It further noted that public office is a responsibility entrusted by citizens and that performance should not be measured through privately organised ceremonies or commercial award schemes with questionable methodologies.
The directive instructed all Ministers, CEOs of state institutions, and political appointees to refrain from participating in, sponsoring, attending, or accepting awards from such organisations unless expressly authorised by the Office of the President.
The statement emphasised that government performance will instead be assessed based on measurable outcomes, policy implementation, service delivery, and sector-specific targets outlined in the national development agenda.
It added that a comprehensive performance review of Ministers and Chief Executive Officers will be conducted in due course, and the findings will inform decisions on retention, reassignment, and possible restructuring.
Officials were urged to focus on delivering results for the public rather than engaging in external recognition schemes of questionable credibility.
The directive was signed by the Secretary to the President and distributed to all Ministers of State and Chief Executive Officers of State-Owned Enterprises.
