In a significant shift towards recognising a broader spectrum of contributions to society, the government is set to expand the categories of its national heroes, months before the Mashujaa Day celebrations.
The National Heroes Council, led by Chairperson Jimmy Angwenyi, has announced a strategic plan to include spiritual leaders, arts and sports personalities, researchers, and statesmen, among others in the national heroes’ roster.
This expansion aims to foster a deeper appreciation of Kenyan heritage and identify, honour, and preserve the invaluable contributions of the nation's heroes. The new plan moves beyond the traditional focus on freedom fighters to encompass 13 additional categories, marking a strategic paradigm shift.
Angwenyi, speaking to the government publication MyGov during the Council's Strategic Plan validation workshop in Nairobi, stressed the importance of public involvement in the nomination and vetting process.
The expanded categories will now include; spiritual leadership, indigenous knowledge, cultural values and practices, arts, and sports.
Other categories such as scholarships, professionalism, research, peace-making, statesmanship, entrepreneurship and industry, philanthropy, human rights, national cohesion and integration, and environmental conservation will also be recognised.
"The Council is committed to preserving the data of the country's heroes, operating a heroes fund, and ensuring merit-based honoring, all within a supportive policy and legal framework," Angwenyi stated.
He pointed out that the Council's strategic collaborations with the Council of Governors and county governments to recognise and honour heroes from various counties, facilitate funding and resource mobilisation, enhance education and awareness, and conduct legislative reviews.
Angwenyi stressed the importance of honouring heroes and preserving their legacies to inspire future acts of heroism among Kenyan citizens. "Preserving the invaluable contributions of national heroes will amplify their voices and elevate public awareness, inspiring pride and similar selfless, patriotic, and courageous actions among Kenyans," he said.
Addressing the issue of budget cuts, Angwenyi urged the government to expedite the establishment of the National Heroes Fund, which will assist the families of fallen heroes.
Charles Wambia, the Chief Executive Officer of the National Heroes Council, noted the body's efforts to actualise the plan for special identification that will give heroes the honour they deserve.
Under the Constitution, the National Heroes Council is tasked with formulating and implementing policies relating to national heroes, identifying and recommending national heroes, and managing the national heroes’ square.
During last year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations, the Council recognised 157 heroes and heroines, including Kenya’s first Olympic medalist Wilson Kiprugut Chumo and other notable figures such as Faith Kipyegon and the late Kelvin Kiptum, both of whom won gold medals and set new world records.
