Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has directed the committee overseeing the selection of recipients for the 2026 National Honours to enforce strict nomination and vetting criteria, warning against favouritism and the selection of undeserving candidates.
Kindiki issued the directive on Wednesday, October 28, during a high-level meeting with the National Honours Committee, where he received an update on the ongoing process of identifying and vetting Kenyans eligible for the awards.
During the meeting, the Deputy President instructed all individuals, organisations and agencies involved in the nomination exercise to ensure that only people with exceptional contributions to the country are considered for recognition.
"Directed that nominating agencies, organisations and individuals to adhere to strict criteria and vetting to ensure only the most deserving and extraordinary get to be nominated," Kindiki stated in a statement following the meeting.
He emphasised that the selection process should identify individuals whose service, sacrifice and outstanding contributions to Kenya warrant national recognition.
The directive comes as the government continues to identify and assess candidates for the 2026 National Honours, which recognise distinguished service and exceptional achievements across various sectors.
The awards honour Kenyans who have made significant contributions in areas such as public service, leadership, security, education, sports and community development.
The ongoing exercise is expected to establish a list of qualified candidates who meet the relevant requirements before the final recipients are approved.
Kenya has several categories of national honours conferred by the President to recognise individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service to the country.
Among the highest awards is the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, which is divided into 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).
Another major category is the Order of the Burning Spear, which comprises the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS), Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) and Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS).
Other distinctions include the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW), awarded in recognition of dedicated and distinguished service to the nation, and the Head of State's Commendation (HSC), which recognises commendable service.
Section 4 of the National Honours Act, 2013, provides that eligibility for national honours is based on notable contributions or achievements that benefit the country.
The 2026 awards are expected to be presented by President William Ruto on December 12 during the Jamhuri Day celebrations, which mark Kenya's attainment of republican status.
