President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday used the State of the National Address to pay special tribute to former Public Works Principal Secretary Mariam El Maawy.

President Kenyatta named the deceased Principal Secretary as a model servant who died while serving her country - urging other public servants to emulate her hardwork.

"I recall with grest sadness, the tragic loss of PS Mariamu el Maawy, to the consequences of a terrorist attack. I pray that her family, friends, and colleagues may be comforted and I pray that this nation never forgets the selfless service she gave it," the President stated.

He, however, assured Kenyans that despite the challenges, Kenya was a safer place that it had been during last year's State of the Nation Address.

El Maawy died in September last year after she was attacked by Al Shaabab gunmen in Mpeketoni area, Lamu County.

At the time of her passing, she had been undergoing treatment for nine weeks at a South African Hospital.