CGH, EGH, OBS - List of presidential state honours and their meanings

President William Ruto conferred over 400 citizens with various state honours during the 59th Jamhuri Day Celebrations at Nyayo Stadium.

Among the awardees include Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Second-lady Dorcas Gachagua and Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) chairman Wafula Chebukati who received state commendations.

Others were military personnel, members of the judiciary and civilians who received awards of orders, medals and decorations.

This is a normal occurrence during national celebrations and is meant to honour Kenyans for the efforts they make to serve their country and others in various capacities.

Presidential awards include the Order of The Golden Heart, Order of the Burning Spear and Order of the Grand Warrior.

Order of the Golden Heart

This is the highest-ranking award. It is divided into three categories based on seniority i.e Chief, Elder and Moran.

Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH)

This is the highest award and is usually awarded to sitting presidents and prominent religious or military leaders. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Former Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Aga Khan IV received this award despite not being Kenyans.

President Ruto on Jamhuri Day conferred the award to His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin for his religious and humanitarian work across the world.

Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH)

This award is given to the sitting Deputy President, Speakers of the National Assembly and Senate, Cabinet Secretaries, the First and Second Ladies, Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service.

President Ruto presented the award to IEBC Chairman Wafula Chebukati among others.

Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (MGH)

This is the third class category in the Order of the Golden Heart Award. The award was given to Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Gladys Boss Shollei and Majority Leader of Parliament Kimani Ichungwa among others.

Order of the Burning Spear (OBS)

This award is presented to public dignitaries, professionals and exemplary members of the public service.

The Order is divided into three categories based on seniority which are;

1. Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS)
2. Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS)
3. Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS)

President Ruto presented this award to several Military personnel and professionals.

Order of the Grand Warrior (OGW)

This award is presented to persons who have done outstanding service to the country in various capacities. Often, it is given to those who put their lives at risk for the good of the country.

The award is categorised into three; Chief, Elder and Moran. Other categories include; Distinguished Conduct Order (DCO), Distinguished Service Medal (DSM), Silver Star and President’s Commendations (Military and Civilian Division).

Several military personnel, civilians and professionals were presented with this award by President William Ruto on Monday.

The awards are given to recipients on the advice of the National Honours and Awards Committee in the office of the President.