Orders, decorations, and medals of Kenya

Orders, decorations, and medals of Kenya are awarded by the President of Kenya “in recognition of outstanding or distinguished services rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities”. Awards are made by the president upon the advice of a National Honours and Awards Committee in the president’s office. Individuals are nominated for awards by district committees, government ministries, religious organisations, non-governmental organisations, individuals and others.

The awards that are issued are:

  • The Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya
  • 1st Class – Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.)
  • 2nd Class – Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (E.G.H.)
  • 3rd Class – Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (M.G.H.)
  • Uhodari Medal
  • The Order of the Burning Spear
  • 1st Class – Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (C.B.S.)
  • 2nd Class – Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (E.B.S.)
  • 3rd Class – Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (M.B.S.)
  • The Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya
  • The Distinguished Conduct Order
  • The Distinguished Service Medal
  • The Silver Star of Kenya
  • Head of State’s Commendation
  • Military Division
  • Civilian Division

Of these awards, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya is the highest honour in Kenya and as of 2009 the award has been bestowed on 198 people since Kenyan independence. Recipients of this award include Yoweri Museveni the President of Uganda, and Aga Khan IV. The President of Kenya holds the position of Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, the incumbent is Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta. On 20 April 2017, President Uhuru Kenyatta awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart to Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin.

Uhuru to award various citizens for their outstanding services to Kenya

President Uhuru Kenyatta will issue awards and honours to various Kenyans for their outstanding efforts and services rendered to the nation. Those named will be feted by the President at Statehouse on Jamhuri day, as Kenya marks 54 years of independence. A total of 59 ciitizens will receive the awards.

Among the recipients of the Head of States Commendation (HSC) civilian awards are controversial blogger Robert Alai, State House communication guru Dennis Itumbi, Ben Githae (famous for composing the Jubilee party campaign anthem (Tano Tena), Martin Kamotho popularly known as Githeri Man and TV reporter Jackie Maribe as well as evangelist Teresia Wairimu.

World Boxing Council (WBC) champion Fatuma Zarika will alo be receiving her HSC award. Other awards includethe Golden heart awards which will be awarded to National assembly speaker Ken Lusaka and Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen among five others. The award of the Burning Spear goes to Salaries and Remuneration Commission Chairperson (SRC) Sarah Serem, Education PS Professor George Magoha, Former IEBC Chair Isaack Hassan and former NHIF CEO Simiyu Kirgotty among several others.

The awards and medals are meant to recognise persons in various capacities for their selflessness, and zeal in their service to the nation.