Athletes Faith Kipyegon & Peres Jepchirchir, Dr. Willis Akhwale scoop State honours

During the Jamhuri Day celebrations at the Uhuru Gardens on Sunday, President Uhuru Kenyatta feted men and women of exceptional service to country.

Vaccine taskforce Chairman Dr. Willis Akhwale, Olympic gold medalists Faith Kipyegon and Peres Jepchirchir were among the heroes awarded.

Dr. Willis Akhwale was honored with Elder of the Order of the Burning spear (EBS) for organized reception, storage and deployment of COVID-19 vaccines since early this year

Under his leadership, the country has administered over 8 million vaccines, thereby strengthening the fight against COVID-19.

Under the same category of EBS award, Engineer Kishan Singh Gehlot, founder of Intex Construction, was recognized for donating an asphalt plant to the Nairobi Metropolitan Services (NMS) which helped in tarmacking of roads within the city.

Athletes Faith Chepng'etich Kipyegon and Peres Jepchirchir were both honored and presented with the Order of the Grand Warrior for their exploits in the Tokyo Olympics.

Both Chepng'etich and Jepchirchir have put out exemplary performances in global competitions.

Jepchirchir, who won gold at the Tokyo Olympics and at the IAAF, was hailed for putting the country on the global map scale.

Uniformed officers were not left behind either. They were recognized for their stellar performances in the security sector.

The Silver Star of Kenya Award was given to Captain Ali Shitialo for a brave show at the Boni Forest in repulsing enemy fire.

Captain Shitialo was hailed for his self sacrifice and bravery in counter-terrorism and repulsing enemy fire, during which he survived six days without food and water in his line of duty.