The government of Japan has conferred the former Ambassador of Kenya to the country, Benson Ogutu, with a state award.

The Embassy of Japan in Kenya on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, announced that Ambassador Ogutu had been conferred with the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star.

This, the embassy said, was as a result of his invaluable contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between Japan and the Republic of Kenya.

“The Government of Japan announced on April 29th that the Government has conferred a decoration, The Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Star, on Ambassador Benson H.O. Ogutu, former Ambassador of Kenya to Japan, for his invaluable contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between Japan and the Republic of Kenya,” the Japan embassy announced.

…Former Ambassador of Kenya to Japan for his invaluable contribution to strengthening bilateral relations and promoting friendship between Japan and the Republic of Kenya.

— The Embassy of Japan in Kenya (@JapaninKenya) April 30, 2025

The Order of the Rising Sun

The Order of the Rising Sun is a Japanese decoration of honour. Orders are awarded by the Government of Japan in April each year to individuals from both Japan and abroad who have made distinguished contributions to the advancement of Japan.

The award is typically reserved for individuals who have rendered distinguished service to the state, particularly in areas such as international relations, public service, culture, and economic cooperation—excluding military service.

Ogutu’s diplomatic work

Ambassador Ogutu was appointed Ambassador to Japan in July 2010. During his tenure, he significantly enhanced cooperation across areas such as trade, investment, culture, science, and technology.

Ogutu is among the diplomats who have represented Kenya at the Embassy of the Republic of Kenya in Japan, which was established in 1979.

Beyond Tokyo, Ambassador Ogutu also served as Kenya’s envoy to the Russian Federation. He presented his credentials to President Vladimir Putin in 2021 during a ceremony held at the Grand Kremlin Palace’s Alexander Hall, joining 22 other newly appointed ambassadors.

This morning Ambassador of Kenya to Russia H.E. Benson H.O. Ogutu presented credential letters to President Vladimir Putin at the official ceremony in the Grand Kremlin Palace.
Our congratulations to His Excellency and colleagues @Embmoscow1! https://t.co/Bcn5FmXJGs pic.twitter.com/Bctx3HrRuY

— Russian Embassy in Kenya/Посольство России в Кении (@russembkenya) May 18, 2021

He was succeeded by Peter Mathuki, who presented his credentials to Russian President Vladimir Putin on November 5, 2024.