State commendations tool for patronage

This Jamhuri, the Presidency awarded 401 commendations to men and women. With few exceptions, the list again failed to powerfully connect emotionally with the public. Being honored by a Head of State is not a light matter. What are we missing in this national exercise?

Head of State commendations are guided by the National Honors Act. Any member of the public can nominate an individual by downloading and submitting a completed form from the Office of the Deputy President. Three advisory committees of national and county governments, Judiciary and the Parliament study nominations and make recommendations to the Office of the President. There are various categories but to earn one, you must demonstrate sacrifice, bravery and excellence that brings honour to the republic. Although the Act gives power to the Head of State to suspend and revoke a commendation, this has never happened in Kenyan history. It is also unclear whether public objections to the proposed list of nominees have ever resulted in the withdrawal of names.