Public nominations open for 2025 national heroes ahead of Mashujaa Day

To qualify, a nominee must have shown outstanding selfless service to the country in any of the 14 categories listed under the First Schedule of the Kenya Heroes Act.
Kenyans have been invited to nominate individuals for recognition as national heroes, as the National Heroes Council begins preparations for this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations set for October 20.
In a public notice on Tuesday, the Council announced the opening of a 21-day nomination window, giving citizens, organisations, institutions and groups until July 21 to submit proposals.
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“Pursuant to provisions of Section 22 of the Act, the public is hereby notified that the Council is calling for the submission of proposals for the nomination of suitable persons to be recommended for declaration as national heroes,” the notice reads.
To qualify, a nominee must have shown outstanding selfless service to the country in any of the 14 categories listed under the First Schedule of the Kenya Heroes Act.
These areas include the liberation struggle, peace-making, indigenous knowledge, human rights, sports, philanthropy, national cohesion and integration, professionalism, and environmental conservation.
The Council added that proposed individuals must also reflect the constitutional values outlined in Article 10, including courage, discipline, perseverance, and integrity.
“According to the Kenya Heroes Act, for a person to be considered a national hero, they must have positively contributed to selflessly and sacrificed for the country in any of the 14 functional areas stipulated in the First Schedule,” it stated.
Nomination forms are available on the National Heroes Council website, and submissions can be sent through email, hand-delivered to the council’s office, or posted through the official mailing address.
In 2024, the Council received 130 nominations, which included celebrated names such as Dedan Kimathi, Mekatilili wa Menza, Motif di Don, Naomi Shaban, and Kenya’s highest blood donor, Sanya Alpha Kennedy.
Former Kenya Red Cross Secretary General Abass Gullet was also nominated for his role in responding to some of the country’s worst humanitarian emergencies.
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