Comedian and content creator 2Mbili has sparked debate over Kenya’s national honours system, arguing that presidential awards should come with tangible benefits that improve recipients’ lives.
Taking to social media, the outspoken entertainer suggested that national recognition should be accompanied by incentives such as job opportunities, promotions, monthly stipends, healthcare cover or other meaningful perks.
“I think those presidential awards should be accompanied with legit promotions or jobs or monthly pay or free healthcare or free monthly shopping or free parking anywhere—just anything to be proud of. You can’t be proud of a title that can’t help better a life,” he wrote.
Despite his criticism, 2Mbili said he still applauds holders of honours, including CGH, OGH, OBS, OGW, MGH, CBS and HSC.
His remarks come amid a busy national honours calendar, with President William Ruto recently conferring orders, decorations and medals on more than 879 individuals for distinguished service to the nation.
Among those recognised were creatives such as veteran rapper Jua Cali and Calif Records founder Clemo, as well as footballers who represented Kenya at the CHAN tournament hosted in the East African region.
The most recent ceremony was held during Jamhuri Day celebrations at State House, Nairobi, where media personality Silva Kido and musician Iyani were among the recipients.
Kenya’s orders, decorations and medals are awarded by the President on the advice of the National Honours and Awards Committee, in recognition of outstanding service across various sectors.
Beyond the honours, the Kenya Heroes Act No. 5 of 2014 established the National Heroes Fund to support national heroes in need of financial assistance and their dependants.
However, the fund is yet to become fully operational as it awaits enabling regulations. Under the Act, recognised heroes are entitled to state invitations to national functions, commemorations, and the naming of public spaces and institutions in their honour.