President William Ruto has conferred some of the country’s top national honors on Kenyans drawn from various fields, marking this year’s official roll-out of state awards for outstanding service.
The list, published in the Kenya Gazette, highlights individuals recognized for their work in public service, leadership, the arts, and national development.
The awards featured the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya and the Order of the Burning Spear, which remain the highest symbols of national appreciation.
Seven Kenyans received the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.), the second class of the OGH.
Those honored in this category are Dr. Pratt Kristina Kenyatta, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Cabinet Secretaries William Kabogo (ICT), Lee Kinyanjui (Trade), Deborah Barasa (Environment), Narok Governor Ole Ntutu Patrick Keturet, and Jaffer Mohamed Husein.
The group was recognized for their contributions and service to the country.
Musician Iyanii (Ian Oure), known for the hit song “Donjo Maber,” was awarded the Head of State’s Commendation for his work in the music industry.
The Third Class of the Order of the Golden Heart, Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (M.G.H.), went to Lt. Gen. Ketter David Kipkemboi and Major General Waliaula Bernard.
Families of officers who died while on assignment were also remembered, among them the relatives of the late officer Kaetuai Samuel Tompoi, who passed away while serving under the United Nations in Haiti.
Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission Chairperson David Oginde was awarded Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (E.B.S.) for his efforts in strengthening integrity within public institutions.
Commission on Revenue Allocation Chairperson Mary Chebukati received Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (C.B.S.) for her work in public engagement.
Among those also awarded C.B.S. were Senators Tabitha Mutinda, Veronica Maina and Olekina Ledama, Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, John Waluke (Sirisia), Mark Mwenje (Embakasi West), and IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein Marjan.
Harambee Starlets coach Beldine Odemba received the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (M.B.S.) in recognition of her achievements with the women’s national football team and her role in mentoring young players across the country.
Kenya’s national honors system, which includes the OGH and the OBS, celebrates individuals who have shown dedication, leadership, patriotism, or made a major impact in their areas of work.
The OGH, the country’s highest decoration, is issued in three classes: Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH), Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), and Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (MGH). The OBS also has three ranks: Chief (CBS), Elder (EBS), and Moran (MBS), awarded to citizens and public servants whose work has improved the country.
