MPs are today expected to start debate on a bill that seeks to introduce a new law to govern the awarding of national honors by the president.
The National Honours Bill 2012 seeks to create special committees that will decide the criteria to be used in awarding such honors such as Chief of Burning Spear (CBS) and Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear (EBS). The Bill is being presented by Wajir West MP Adan Keynan.
The debate comes in the wake of President Kibaki awarding two of his children— Judy and Jimi—national awards during his late Jamhuri Day celebrations marked three weeks ago.
Judith Wanjiku Mwai received a First Class Chief of Burning Spear (CBS) while her brother, James Mark Mwai received Second Class Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear for their service to the people of Kenya.
The Kibaki children were among a list of national award recipients published in the Kenya Gazette. Over the years, the selection of those to be honoured and the criteria used to identify them has been unclear.
Concerns have been raised that political considerations, family connections other than merit have determined those presented with the national awards have been shrouded in secrecy, which always raises questions as to whether the recipients are being recognized on merit or political and other considerations.
If the Keynan bill is passed, it will bring an end to the practice where a few civil servants and the president unilaterally decide who receives the honors without making clear the criteria.
The Keynan bill proposes the establishment of three advisory committees which will be in charge of recommending those to receive the national honors.
The National and County Governments Honours Advisory Committee will be responsible for recommending state or public officers for recognition; the Parliamentary Honours Advisory Committee will be in charge of considering those MPs, former MPs or civil servants serving the parliamentary service or independent commission or office while a third committee will recommend serving or past judges, magistrates, judicial officers or members of staff of the judiciary for the awards.
Keynan's bill also seeks to ensure that only those who exhibit exemplary qualities, actions or achievements of heroism, sacrifice, bravery, patriotism or leadership for the defence, benefit or betterment of the country or a county receive the national honors.
People who have made an exemplary contribution to the country or a county in the economic, social, scientific, academic, public administration, governance, sports, journalism, business, security or other fields will also be considered for the national awards.
For public or state officers to receive the award, they must have made an exemplary contribution to the betterment of the national or county governments, the executive, the judiciary, the legislature, an independent commission or an independent office.
Athletes,artists and others who have brought honor, glory and prude to the country will also qualify to receive the award.
And for the first time, the Keynan bill proposes that any committee recommending anyone for the conferment of the honors should—prior to forwarding the list—publish its proposals in at least two daily newspapers of national circulation to give the public time to present their views or objections to the proposal.
The committees will be expected to take the public's views into consideration before presenting the list to the President.
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