Ahead of Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20th, the National Heroes Council (NHC) is calling on all Kenyans to nominate individuals, whom they believe deserve to be recognized as national heroes.
This is an official invitation to help celebrate those who have made significant contributions to the well-being of the nation.
A notice from the council, posted by MyGov on Tuesday, July 1, confirmed the official opening of National Hero nominations, where Kenyans whether as individuals, organizations, institutions, or diverse groups were encouraged to propose ideal candidates for this esteemed national recognition.
The council has set a strict deadline of July 21, 2025 for all nominations, requiring proposals to be submitted within 21 days.
To be eligible, nominees must have served Kenya’s interests in at least one of the 14 functional areas listed in the Act’s First Schedule.
Among the areas listed for eligibility by the council include liberation struggle, indigenous knowledge, spiritual leadership, peace-making, statesmanship, scholarship, human rights, and contributions to entrepreneurship and various industries.
Additional areas listed include cultural values and practices, arts, sports, professionalism and research, national cohesion and integration, philanthropy, and environmental conservation.
According to the council, nominees need to embody the values of courage, discipline, selflessness, and perseverance, all of which are enshrined in Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya.
Nomination forms are accessible on the NHC website and submissions can be made via email, in person at their office, or through postal mail.
Among the 130 nominees unveiled by the council in September 2024 were diverse figures such as late freedom fighters Dedan Kimathi Waciuri and Mekatilili wa Menza, Naomi Shaban and Sanya Alpha Kennedy, the country’s highest blood donor.
Also nominated was Abass Gullet, former Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General, known for his leadership during significant humanitarian crises in Kenya among many others.
By Hellen Lunalo
