•The highest of these awards is the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya which is divided into three classes depending on their seniority.
•Next is the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (E.G.H.) which is the highest a civilian can receive.
Image: DPPS
President Uhuru Kenyatta on Sunday awarded world marathon record holder and Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya.
The former track master made history on October 12 when he became the first man to run a 42km race in under two hours at the INEOS1:59:50 Challenge in Vienna, Austria, where he timed 1:59:40.
"In honour of all the heroes, past, present and future I wish to invite and recognise Eliud Kipchoge with the Order of Elder of the Golden Heart," Uhuru said.
During most of the national holidays, the country has witnessed a number of Kenyans being conferred with presidential awards in recognition of their service to the nation.
Various statesmen including first ladies , academicians, technocrats, politicians, journalists, athletes, clergymen among others have received the coveted awards which are only conferred by a sitting Head of State.
The 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 the awards by district committees, government ministries, religious organisations, non-governmental organisations, individuals and others.
The awards include medals which are divided into eight categories.Each category is set aside for select individuals especially the high and mighty in the country.
The highest of these awards is the order of the Golden Heart of Kenya which is divided into three classes depending on their seniority. The most senior is the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.) which is mostly awarded to Presidents.
Apart from sitting Kenyan Presidents, other notable figures who have previously been given the honour include Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, his Liberian counterpart Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Agha Khan IV among others.
Next is the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (E.G.H.) which is awarded to among others the Deputy President, Speakers of Parliament, Cabinet Secretaries, the First Lady, the wife of the Deputy President, Head of Public Service and the Kenya Defence Forces' (KDF) Chief of Staff.
The last in this category is the Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (M.G.H.) whose recipients include senior KDF commanders and the Inspector General of Police.
The second-highest category of the awards is the Order of the Burning Spear which is equally divided into the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (C.B.S.), Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (E.B.S.) and Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (M.B.S.).
Some of those who hold this award are senior judges, State House Spokesman Manoah Esipisu and journalist Jeff Koinange, 800m Olympic champion David Rudisha among others.
The other presidential orders in terms of seniority include; 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 and the Uhodari Medal.
According to the National Honours Act, those who merit the decoration include; a person who exhibits exemplary qualities, or achievements of heroism, patriotism or leadership, one who has made an exemplary contribution to the country in the economic, scientific, academic, sports, journalism, business, security or other fields.
Others to be considered are a State officer or public officer who has made an exemplary contribution to the betterment of the national or county governments, the executive, the judiciary, the legislature and a person who has otherwise brought honour, glory or pride to the nation.
Currently, President Uhuru Kenyatta as the head of State holds the position of Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya.
On 20 April 2017, President Uhuru Kenyatta awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart to Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin.
Syedna is the Religious Head of the Dawoodi Bohra Community.
Image: COURTESY
Uhuru in 2017 also conferred the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart’ (EGH) on Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka, Elgeyo Marakwet Senator Kipchumba Murkomen, and businessmen Peter Muthoka, John Peter Nyaberi Simba, Peter Kahara Munga, Titus Kirea, and Pamidimukkala Venkata Sambasiva Rao.
Mombasa Governor Ali Hassan Joho during 2018's Jamhuri day celebration was honoured with EGH second class alongside eight governors.
Image: FILE
They include Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua, Kirinyaga's Anne Waiguru, the late Bomet governor Joyce Laboso, Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago.
Other governors awarded the EGH were Marakwet Governor Alex Tolgos, Siaya Governor Cornell Rasanga, Narok Governor Samuel Tunai and Embu Governor Martin Wambora.
The governors were honoured with EGH second class in recognition of distinguished and outstanding services rendered to the nation.