NAIROBI, Kenya — Parliament has revised its list of nominees for the 2025 State Honours and Awards, just a day after publishing the initial version that drew public attention.
The updated list, released on October 8, features both additions and omissions, including the inclusion of three new female leaders and the removal of three others without official explanation.
Among those dropped from the original October 7 list are Kabondo Kasipul MP Eve Akinyi Obare and nominated senators Hamida Ali Kibwana and Beth Kalunda Syengo.
Their exclusion has not been clarified by the Parliamentary Honours Advisory Committee, sparking murmurs of discontent within some political circles.
Replacing them on the revised 60-member shortlist are Kisumu West MP Rozaah Akinyi Buyu, Nominated Senator Catherine Muyeka Mumma, and Nominated Senator Maureen Tabitha Mutinda.
“It is notified to the general public that the Parliamentary Honours Advisory Committee has proposed the persons listed for conferment of the corresponding National Honours and Awards,” read the official notice from Parliament.
The committee has invited members of the public to submit any feedback, objections, or recommendations before October 13 at 5:00 p.m.
Submissions are to be sent via email to honours@parliament.go.ke, as part of a public vetting process meant to enhance transparency and accountability in the honours system.
The National Honours System represents one of Kenya’s highest civilian recognitions, celebrating individuals who demonstrate exemplary leadership, patriotism, heroism, and service to the nation.
The honours are conferred under several categories, including:
- Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS)
- Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS)
- Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS)
- Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW)
Typically, the awards are presented during national holidays such as Mashujaa Day and Jamhuri Day, where the President formally recognizes outstanding citizens for their contribution to Kenya’s development and national unity.
As the October 13 deadline draws near, Kenyans will be watching closely to see whether further changes will be made to the nominations or if the current list will stand as the final version to be submitted for presidential approval.
