What it takes to be awarded a Kenyan honour during Mashujaa Day

World Marathon Record holder Eliud Kipchoge was honoured with the Order of the Elder of the Golden Heart of Kenya on Sunday 20 October during the Mashujaa celebrations.

The Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart is the highest award and as of 2009 had been awarded to 198 people.

These honorary awards are given to the statesmen by the President of Kenya but, what does it take for someone to be honored with such an award? 

These commendations are awarded to recipients on the advice of the National Honours and Awards Committee in the Office of the President.

To be awarded, you have to exhibit perfect qualities or achievements of patriotism, leadership, or heroism.

You have to make a perfect contribution to Kenya in scientific, economic, academic, journalism, sports, business, or any other fields.

The highest honour is the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya and is categorized into three classes.

1st Class - Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.)

This honour is mostly awarded to the head of state or other world leaders.

Apart from sitting Kenyan presidents, other recipients who have received this award include Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni and his highness the Aga Khan IV.

2nd Class – Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (E.G.H.)

This honour is mostly awarded to the Deputy President, Speakers of both houses, Cabinet Secretaries, First and Second Ladies of the state and a Kenya Defense Forces chief of staff.

However, the President in his discretion can honour a statesman who made an exemplary contribution to the country.

The most recent recipient was World Marathon Record holder Eliud Kipchoge.

3rd Class – Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (M.G.H.)

Recipients of this award include the Inspector General of Police and senior Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) commanders.

The second-highest category is the Order of the Burning Spear and is also classified into three classes.

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.)

These honours are issued to members of the public who have exemplary achievements in their fields of work, that is, law, athletics, journalism, fishing among others.

Other honours you can be awarded include; The Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya, Distinguished Conduct Order, Distinguished Service Medal, The Silver Star of Kenya, Head of State's Commendation (H.S.C.) – categorised into Military division and Civilian Division.