Mandago receives EGH award, hails President Uhuru for recognition

Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago after he received the EGH medallion in Eldoret on August 5, 2019. [Stephen Rutto, Standard]

Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago has received the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (EGH) award, attributing the recognition to what he termed as his exemplary services in steering devolution.

While receiving the medallion for the coveted presidential award on Thursday evening at his Eldoret office, the governor said it reaffirms his zeal on service delivery, praising President Uhuru Kenyatta for the recognition.

He was among three county chiefs from the North Rift region including Josphat Nanok (Turkana) and Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet) awarded by President Uhuru Kenyatta during the 2018 Jamuhuri Day celebrations.

"I am humbled and honoured by the symbolic recognition of Presidential Award as I officially receive the medallion of the distinguished award of Elder of the Order of Golden Heart (EGH) decoration," Mandago said.

The medal is the second class medal after the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, which is mainly given to the heads of state.

He said the award enhances his resolve to serve Uasin Gishu residents as he concludes his second and last term in office of the governor.

“I am pleased to have received this award. It strengthens my resolve to serve the people of Uasin Gishu county,” he said after a brief ceremony attended by Deputy Daniel Chemno.

The governor thanked President Uhuru for the award, saying it confirms the president’s confidence in his desire to transform his county.

“I thank President Uhuru, Uasin Gishu county executive, the county government staff as well as the residents for their immense support in developing our county,” Mandago said.

"I dedicate this recognition to the people of Uasin Gishu County who allowed me to serve, the CECMs, Chief Officers (both present and past) and all the County Staff."

A statement from his office said the governor was nominated and awarded last year for the achievements during the 2013-2017 term a period in which Uasin Gishu county led in opening up of rural access roads, building ECDE classrooms, establishment of health infrastructure as well as upgrading of Eldoret City’s business environment – development a move which was recognized by the World Bank.

 “In recognition of distinguished and outstanding services, I, Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces confer awards and Honours to the following persons,” a Gazette notice detailing the award last December read in part.

County Secretary Edwin Bett, his deputy Joyce Kebenei, County Executive for Environment Mary Njogu, Chief Officer Co-operative & Enterprise Development Pius Kigen, and Chief of Staff Paul Lagat were present.

Chemno said Mandago received the medallion as recognition for his exemplary leadership in entrenching devolution of resources and administration.

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.