During most national holidays, Kenyan have witnessed remarkable countrymen being conferred with presidential awards by the Head of State for their service to the country.
These individuals range from politicians, journalists, technocrats, academicians, athletes and clergymen who have over the years been lucky to get these awards.
This is the norm in Kenya during national celebrations meant to honor remarkability in different capacities and disciplines. They are issued to individuals on advice of the National Honors and Awards Committee in the office of the President.
Some of these awards are reserved for the very high and powerful in the country. To understand what they mean, we first take a look at the main divisions.
The presidential awards are divided into three categories. These include Order of The Golden Heart, Order of the Burning Spear and Order of the Grand Warrior.
Order of the Golden Heart
It is the highest-ranking of these awards and is divided into three classes subject to seniority level. The classes are Chief, Elder and Moran.
Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H)
The Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H) is the highest and is usually awarded to sitting Presidents. All Kenyan presidents have held this title.
Other than Kenyan presidents, notable figures who hold the C.G.H from Kenya are President Yoweri Museveni from Uganda and President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf from Liberia. It was also awarded to Aga Khan IV.
During 2022 Jamhuri Day celebrations, President Ruto conferred this award to Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin for his religious and humanitarian work in the world.
Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H)
This is the second most powerful award in Kenya. It is awarded to sitting Deputy Presidents, Cabinet Secretaries, the First and Second Ladies, KDF’s Chief of Staff and the Head of Public Service.
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Among those President Ruto has awarded with the E.G.H accolade is former IEBC Chairperson Wafula Chebukati
Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (M.G.H)
It is the third and last in this category. Its recipients mostly include senior military commanders and the Inspector General of Police.
President Ruto awarded this award to the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Gladys Boss Shollei and Majority Leader of Parliament Kimani Ichungwah.
Order of the Burning Spear (OBS)
This is the second highest category that is given to senior dignitaries, professionals and exceptional public service members. It is equally divided into three categories: Chief, Elder and Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (OBS).
Some of the individuals who hold this award include a section of Kenya’s senior judges, several journalists, State House spokespersons and some military personnel.
Order of the Grand Warrior
It is awarded to people who have done outstanding service to the country in various domains. It is also categorized into three sections: Chief, Elder and Moran.
Other notable awards issued during state honors include:
- Distinguished Conduct Order (DCO)
- Distinguished Service Medal (DSM)
- Silver Star
- President’s Commendations (Military and Civilian Division)
