Former US President Barack Obama's grandmother, Mama Sarah Obama, was conferred with the Elder of the Burning Spear (EBS).
In a statement to newsrooms, the President stated that Mama Sarah Obama had been awarded the honours in recognition of her dedicated service to the poor.
Mama Sarah was lauded for founding Mama Sarah Obama Foundation (MSOF) - a charitable organisation dedicated to helping orphans and poor families feed and educate their children.
President Kenyatta also applauded MSOF’s mission to improve the education and welfare of disadvantaged children through forging partnership and linkages with both local leaders, national and international partners.
The organisation was recognised for constructing Early Childhood Development Centres, rehabilitation of Primary and secondary Schools, Construction of Medical Centres, Development of a Vocational Centre and Establishment of the Mama Sarah Scholarship Fund.
President Kenyatta commended her for the organisation’s commitment and dedication to service and wished her success in other endeavours.
Mama Sarah Obama later paid a courtesy call on the First Lady Margaret Kenyatta.
The Order of the Burning Spear award is a three Classes Order -Chief, Elder and Moran. They are distinguished by their post-nominal letters C.B.S., E.B.S., and M.B.S. respectively.
It is among other awards such as Elder of the order of the Golden Heart (EGH) Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS), Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) to the lowest Head of State Commendation (HSC).
Mama Sarah Obama was among other honoraries including Deputy Chief Lady Justice Mwilu Mbete, and Otieno James Ngutu. The ceremony was conducted by Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service Joseph Kinyua.
