Kenyans who have shown exemplary performance and selflessness in service delivery under the ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs dockets have been feted for their contribution to national development.
Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Cabinet Secretary (CS) Joe Mucheru while officiating the handing over of awards which were conferred by the president called on all Kenyans to selflessly offer services to the nation and their efforts will one day be recognized.
Speaking at Teleposta towers on Wednesday, Mucheru said that he is glad that those receiving the honors are a mix of both public servants and those from the private sector in journalism, film, ICT hubs in Turkana among others.
The CS said that there is a long process on how people are selected in order for them to get these commendations and awards, and it is really one of the greatest honors that one can get for service to Kenyans by being recognized by the head of state.
“I am proud to hand over these particular commendations from the president to the different participants. This just shows that the country is moving forward and we are working well and these are all deserved awards since all the recipients have selflessly taken up their roles so that they can serve this country,” said Mucheru.
Mucheru who is an Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) said that he never thought he would work for the government and get recognized as an EGH since before that he was working in the private sector which was fighting the government to open up the telecommunications space.
“I was fighting the government but actually got an award and I remember the late President Mwai Kibaki being amazed at how we were making money out of airtime which was a new concept in the country. I would like to urge all of us to do the right thing even if it feels like you are going against the grain, just do it right,” said Mucheru.
The CS commended Mr. Were Brizan Ogollan who is Co-Founder, Learning Lions in Loropid, Turkana, a non-profit organization that provides free digital training to the youth in Kenya and linking them to the global digital economy, enabling them to earn a living.
“With Victoria at the Kenya Film School (KFS) she is doing an amazing job. It is very exciting to attend a graduation and you hear that all the students have secured jobs,” said Mucheru.
Those who were awarded include Ministry of ICT, Innovation and Youth Affairs Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) Ms. Maureen Mbaka who received the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear (CBS) for outstanding service and leading the Ministry’s Girls in ICT initiative, which advocates for more girls and young women to pursue careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics fields, bringing together women established in these fields to mentor young women and girls.
The Government Spokesman. Col. (Rtd.) Oguna Cyrus Odhiambo was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS) for revolutionizing government strategic communication by initiating linkages with key strategic players in the communications industry.
Mr. Chamwada Alex Ayiego awarded the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) for his outstanding service to the media industry.
Those awarded with the Order of the Grand Warrior of Kenya (OGW) are Dr. Aghan Joshua Oscar, Mrs. Goro Victoria Nzale and Ms. Owiti Zilpher Atieno.
The Head of State’s Commendation (HSC-Civilian Division) was awarded to Mr. Were Brizan Ogollan, Mr. Irungu Francis Mwangi, Ms. Maina Rose Mosero, Ms. Kibinge Judith Nini and Dr. Kibicho Paul Mwangi.
By Joseph Ng’ang’a
