Kenya opens nominations for national heroes recognition
By Faith Lagat, June 2, 2026The National Heroes Council has officially opened public nominations for individuals to be considered for declaration as National Heroes, allowing Kenyans to honour persons who have made selfless contributions to the country.
In a notice released on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, and shared by KARA_OfficialKE on X, the Council invited members of the public, organisations, groups, and institutions to submit proposals under Section 22 of the Kenya Heroes Act, No. 5 of 2014.
“The National Heroes Council is established by The Kenya Heroes Act, No. 5 of 2014. Our mandate is to identify, select and provide for the recognition of national heroes,” the notice read in part.
Eligibility criteria and qualifying fields
For a person to qualify as a national hero, they must have made selfless and significant contributions to the country in any of the 14 functional areas outlined in the Act’s First Schedule.
These include liberation struggle, spiritual leadership, indigenous knowledge, cultural values and practices, arts, sports, scholarship, professionalism and research, peace-making, statesmanship, entrepreneurship and industry, philanthropy, human rights, national cohesion and integration, and environmental conservation.
“For a person to qualify as a National Hero, they must have positively and selflessly contributed to the country and made significant sacrifices in any one of 14 functional areas listed in the Act’s First Schedule.
“These include: liberation struggle, spiritual leadership, indigenous knowledge, cultural values and practices, arts, sports, scholarship, professionalism and research, peace-making, statesmanship, entrepreneurship and industry, philanthropy, human rights, national cohesion and integration, and environmental conservation.”
Nominees are also required to demonstrate national values as outlined in Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya. Additional qualities include selflessness, courage, perseverance, commitment, expertise, talent, innovativeness, discipline, optimism, and creativity.
Submission process and deadline
Nomination forms are available on the Council’s official website www.heroes.go.ke. Submissions can be made through the online application, by email at nomination@heroes.go.ke, or by hand delivery to the National Heroes Council offices.
The deadline for submission is 1st July 2026, with successful nominees to be considered for recognition during Mashujaa Day celebrations on October 20, 2026.
The notice, signed by Jimmy Nuru Ondieki Angwenyi, Chairman of the National Heroes Council, states that nominations will be evaluated in line with the Kenya Heroes Act, 2014.
The Council encourages public participation to recognise deserving individuals from all regions and sectors.