Persons receiving awards and recognition for exemplary services to the public should be given money, the National Heroes Council has heard.
The council was told in Nakuru Thursday that the most outstanding and selfless acts by citizens even at the grassroots should be fronted for awards as a way of encouraging patriotism.
Major (Rtd) Joseph Chepkwony, who has been recognized for his service in the military, wished that his medals were pieces of land that he could own and pass on to his generations when he dies.
“These medals range from recognitions that I got for serving in the Shifter War, Rwandan Genocide, Hall of Fame as an Athlete and Peace Keeping in Morocco. We are a rich heritage that the country should not only take pride in but also tap into our experience,” noted Chepkwony.
His sentiments were echoed by Rachael Maru, who had been recognized for her selfless quick response to victims of Salgaa road accidents, who decried the lack of support for the heroes in helping them further their selfless acts.
“Heroes can be given job opportunities, granted capital to start and grow their businesses among others because the recognition places them in a position of leadership in their community and therefore more responsibility,” noted Ms Maru, who was nominated to serve in the Second Nakuru County Assembly.
The National Heroes Council in Nakuru will collect views to inform its five-year strategic plan. The Council’s Director for Heroes, Monuments and Research Dr. David Mbuthia, noted that recognition of the outstanding men and women in the society was not meant to pay them but elevate them for honour and state assistance.
“Heroes who fought for our country’s liberation were in the past regarded as terrorists. We have identified categories within which exemplary services may be regarded as acts of heroism, including peacemaking, military prowess, kingship and leadership, Prophecy, midwifery and entrepreneurship among others.
“We have developed a policy and criteria for identification and the members of the public will be involved in the nomination process,” added Dr. Mbuthia.
Nakuru East Senior Deputy County Commissioner Were Simiyu (OGW), who graced the occasion called on the members of the public to be aggressive in the nomination process that will be disseminated to the sub-location levels, to inform a fair and transparent process.
“Heroes bring into our society positivity and must be honoured adequately. The council should also endeavour to do comprehensive research and vetting to authenticate information presented to them to uphold the integrity of the process and the honour,” added Were.
The five-year plan, to run between 2023 and 2027 will be anchored on the Bottom-Up Economic Transformative Agenda while drawing its legal mandate from the Heroes Act of 2014.
Heroes identified will benefit from the publication of their names, state assistance to them and their kin, uniforms and sports kits among others as envisaged by the plan.
By Anne Sabuni
