The National Heroes Council (NHC) has officially invited Kenyans to nominate individuals for consideration as National Heroes, ahead of this year's Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, 2025.
The announcement, published by MyGov on Tuesday, July 1, confirmed that the nomination window is now open and submissions will be accepted from individuals, organizations, institutions, or various groups of people keen to propose candidates for the prestigious national recognition.
The council further clarified that all nominations must be submitted within 21 days, with July 21, 2025 as the deadline for proposals.
“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,” part of the notice reads.
To qualify for this nomination, a nominee must have served the country's interests in one of more of the 14 functional areas listed in the First Schedule of the Act.
The council listed areas such as liberation struggle, indigenous knowledge, spiritual leadership, peace-making, statesmanship, scholarship, human rights and entrepreneurship, and industries.
Other areas listed are cultural values and practices, arts, sports, professionalism and research, national cohesion and integration, philanthropy, and environmental conservation.
"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," the notice reads.
The notice stated that the nominee must demonstrate the values mentioned in Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya, such as courage, discipline, selflessness, and perseverance.
The council added that nomination forms can be accessed on the NHC website. After application, the nominees are urged to submit the proposal to the provided email, or can be handed in their office, or sent via post office.
In September 2024, the council listed 130 nominees, and among those who were nominated were the late freedom warriors Dedan Kimathi Waciuri and Mekatilili wa Menza, Motif di Don, and Naomi Shaban, alongside the highest blood donor in the country, Sanya Alpha Kennedy.
Former Kenya Red Cross Society Secretary General, Abass Gullet, who was known for his leadership during some of Kenya’s most challenging humanitarian crises, was also nominated among others.
