The awards were announced in a special Government Gazette notice titled “Award of Orders, Decorations and Medals, Jamhuri Day, December 12, 2025.”
They included individuals from public service, security agencies, private enterprise, elected leadership, and community organizations.
Among the country’s most prestigious accolades, the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya was presented to nine recipients.
Among the country’s most prestigious accolades, the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya was presented to nine recipients.
In the Second Class, Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.), honourees included Attorney General Dorcas Oduor, Kristina Pratt — the elder sister of former 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 recognized.
In the Third Class, Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (M.G.H.), senior military officers were honoured, including Lt. Gen. David Ketter, Kenya Army Commander, and Maj. Gen. Bernard Waliaula, head of the Kenya Air Force.
The Order of the Burning Spear was widely awarded to those who demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment in public service, security, and governance. In the First Class, Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (C.B.S.), 81 individuals received the award.
In the Third Class, Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (M.G.H.), senior military officers were honoured, including Lt. Gen. David Ketter, Kenya Army Commander, and Maj. Gen. Bernard Waliaula, head of the Kenya Air Force.
The Order of the Burning Spear was widely awarded to those who demonstrated outstanding leadership and commitment in public service, security, and governance. In the First Class, Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (C.B.S.), 81 individuals received the award.
This included 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 Second Class, Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (E.B.S.), recognised 74 recipients, including posthumous honours for senior counsel Nowrojee Pheroze, who passed away in April 2025, and Mpaa Lenku Ole, father of Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku.
In the Third Class, Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (M.B.S.), 235 recipients were recognised, including Members of Parliament, senior police officers, and colonels from the Kenya Defence Forces. A further 164 individuals received the Order of the Grand Warrior (O.G.W.), for exceptional dedication in their sectors.
Bravery and gallantry were acknowledged with the Silver Star (S.S.), awarded to 39 recipients, while the Distinguished Service Medal (D.S.M.) went to police officers CI Jairus Okoyo Ochieng and IP Gilbert Njeru.
In addition, 189 individuals received the Head of State’s Commendation (H.S.C.) in the Military Division, and 88 were recognised under the Civilian Division.
Kenya’s national honours system aims to celebrate those who make significant contributions through leadership, public service, bravery, innovation, or community impact. Candidates are nominated by ministries, county governments, security agencies, constitutional commissions, and the public.
The nominations undergo a rigorous vetting process led by the National Honours and Awards Committee, housed in the Office of the President.
The Second Class, Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (E.B.S.), recognised 74 recipients, including posthumous honours for senior counsel Nowrojee Pheroze, who passed away in April 2025, and Mpaa Lenku Ole, father of Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku.
In the Third Class, Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (M.B.S.), 235 recipients were recognised, including Members of Parliament, senior police officers, and colonels from the Kenya Defence Forces. A further 164 individuals received the Order of the Grand Warrior (O.G.W.), for exceptional dedication in their sectors.
Bravery and gallantry were acknowledged with the Silver Star (S.S.), awarded to 39 recipients, while the Distinguished Service Medal (D.S.M.) went to police officers CI Jairus Okoyo Ochieng and IP Gilbert Njeru.
In addition, 189 individuals received the Head of State’s Commendation (H.S.C.) in the Military Division, and 88 were recognised under the Civilian Division.
Kenya’s national honours system aims to celebrate those who make significant contributions through leadership, public service, bravery, innovation, or community impact. Candidates are nominated by ministries, county governments, security agencies, constitutional commissions, and the public.
The nominations undergo a rigorous vetting process led by the National Honours and Awards Committee, housed in the Office of the President.
The committee examines candidates’ records, integrity, and documented achievements before submitting the final list for presidential approval.
Once approved, recipients are announced through a Gazette notice and officially recognised during national celebrations such as Jamhuri Day and Madaraka Day.
The awards are seen as a symbol of national appreciation, recognising individuals who go above and beyond to serve the country, protect its citizens, or advance Kenya’s interests both locally and internationally.
Through this year’s Jamhuri Day awards, President Ruto celebrated a wide range of Kenyans, reflecting the diversity of service and commitment across the country.
The awards are seen as a symbol of national appreciation, recognising individuals who go above and beyond to serve the country, protect its citizens, or advance Kenya’s interests both locally and internationally.
Through this year’s Jamhuri Day awards, President Ruto celebrated a wide range of Kenyans, reflecting the diversity of service and commitment across the country.
