Orders, decorations, and medals of Kenya

Orders, decorations, and medals of Kenya are awarded by the President of Kenya "in recognition of outstanding or distinguished services rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities".^[1] Awards are made by the president upon the advice of a National Honours and Awards Committee in the president's office. Individuals are nominated for awards by district committees, government ministries, religious organisations, non-governmental organisations, individuals and others.^[2]

The awards that are issued are:

• The Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya^[3]

• 1st Class – Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.)
• 2nd Class – Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (E.G.H.)
• 3rd Class – Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (M.G.H.)

• Uhodari Medal
• The Order of the Burning Spear

• 1st Class – Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (C.B.S.)
• 2nd Class – Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (E.B.S.)
• 3rd Class – Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (M.B.S.)

• The Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya
• The Distinguished Conduct Order
• The Distinguished Service Medal
• The Silver Star of Kenya
• Head of State's Commendation

• Military Division
• Civilian Division

Ribbon bars[4]
Order of the Golden Heart	Order of the Burning Spear	Order of the Grand Warrior	Distinguished Service Medal	Silver Star of Kenya

Of these awards, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya is the highest honour in Kenya^[5] and as of 2009 the award has been bestowed on 198 people since Kenyan independence.^[2] Recipients of this award include Yoweri Museveni the President of Uganda, and Aga Khan IV.^[6] The President of Kenya holds the position of Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, the incumbent is Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta.

References