The state is set to honor a record 142 heroes during this year’s Mashujaa Day, alongside plans to activate the National Heroes Fund. Established in 2014, the fund has been inactive and is intended to provide financial assistance to heroes and their dependents.
Ummi Bashir, Principal Secretary for Culture and Heritage, stated, “The ministry is keen to activate the fund and assist the candidates.” She explained that the fund is currently awaiting the development of regulations necessary for its operationalization. The 142 heroes, who will be unveiled by President William Ruto on Sunday, were selected after a thorough vetting process.
Last year, 157 heroes were awarded, and this year’s honorees come from 14 categories, including sports, philanthropy, statesmanship, and indigenous cultures. Some heroes will be recognized posthumously.
The nominees are individuals who have made significant contributions and undertaken exemplary actions to improve society. Some have even risked their lives for the benefit of their communities, with their efforts recognized globally.
In an interview with *The Star*, Ummi said, “For the first time, the government will push for the allocation of resources to support the heroes in their day-to-day lives. Apart from the normal certificates and recognition, we owe a lot to our heroes, and we are looking at activating the National Heroes Fund, which should be able to support them and their families.”
Currently, apart from receiving commendation certificates and medals, heroes may have symbolic tombs, monuments, and statues built in their honor when necessary. Some may even have books published that depict their respective roles in the country’s history.
According to the PS, the 142 names underwent a robust and transparent screening process that provided fair opportunities for all applicants. “A member of the public, an organization, a group of persons, or an institution can nominate suitable person(s) to be recommended for declaration as heroes,” she said.
Upon receiving a nomination, the council evaluates it according to criteria set forth in the First Schedule of the Kenya Heroes Act, No. 5 of 2014. The names of all proposed individuals are then published in at least two newspapers of national circulation, allowing the public to provide their input. A final list of confirmed names is forwarded to the President for declaration in the Kenya Gazette.
