NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has conferred 881 national honours to distinguished Kenyans in recognition of exemplary service, leadership and bravery across various sectors, ahead of the 2025 Jamhuri Day celebrations.
The awards were published in a special Gazette notice titled “Award of Orders, Decorations and Medals, Jamhuri Day, December 12, 2025.”
Recipients include leaders in public service, security agencies, politics, business, civil society and community initiatives.
Among the country’s most prestigious distinctions, the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya was awarded to nine individuals.
In the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) category, seven people were honoured, including Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Kristina Pratt — the elder sister of retired President Uhuru Kenyatta — Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu, and entrepreneur Jaffer Mohamed Husein.
Cabinet Secretaries William Kabogo (ICT), Lee Kinyanjui (Trade) and Deborah Barasa (Environment) were also recognised.
Two senior military commanders — Lt. Gen. David Ketter, the Kenya Army chief, and Maj. Gen. Bernard Waliaula, Commander of the Kenya Air Force — were named Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (M.G.H.).
A significant share of the awards fell under the Order of the Burning Spear, which recognises outstanding commitment in public service and national security.
In the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (C.B.S.) category, 81 individuals were feted, among them Godfrey Otunge, who leads Kenya’s Gang Suppression Force mission in Haiti; nominated Senator Veronica Maina; CRA chairperson Mary Chebukati; and IEBC CEO Marjan Hussein.
The Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (E.B.S.) was awarded to 74 people, including Senior Counsel Nowrojee Pheroze (posthumous) and Mpaa Lenku Ole (posthumous), father of Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku.
Another 235 individuals received the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (M.B.S.), including MPs, KDF colonels and senior police officers such as Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda.
A further 164 Kenyans were recognised with the Order of the Grand Warrior (O.G.W.), while 39 received the Silver Star (S.S.), typically reserved for acts of exceptional bravery.
The Distinguished Service Medal (D.S.M.) was awarded to Chief Inspector Jairus Okoyo Ochieng and Inspector of Police Gilbert Njeru.
In the commendation category, 189 individuals were honoured under the Head of State’s Commendation (H.S.C.) – Military Division, with another 88 recognised under the Civilian Division.
Kenya’s honours system celebrates individuals whose contributions have significantly impacted national development.
Nominees are proposed by ministries, county governments, security agencies, constitutional commissions and the public.
A vetting process conducted by the National Honours and Awards Committee reviews their integrity and achievements before the President gives final approval.
The awards will be formally conferred during Jamhuri Day celebrations on December 12.
