Jua Cali and Mwanahamisi Hamadi Among Recipients of State Honours

Kenya has honoured 184 individuals during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations in Kitui County, with journalist Mwanahamisi Hamadi and musician Jua Cali among those recognised for their contributions to media and the arts.

The annual event, held on 20 October at Ithookwe Stadium, paid tribute to Kenyans whose work has strengthened national development, unity and cultural identity. Dignitaries at the ceremony included Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Mozambique’s Prime Minister Maria Benvinda Levy. 

The celebration took place amid a period of national mourning following the death of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. Government officials confirmed that the event would proceed as planned, emphasising the significance of recognising national service even during loss.

Mwanahamisi Hamadi, a senior broadcast journalist at Citizen TV, received the state honour for promoting women’s empowerment through her long-running segment Mwanamke Bomba. The programme highlights the achievements of women driving change in their communities through entrepreneurship, advocacy and innovation. 

In her remarks, Hamadi credited the Citizen TV team for their role in the programme’s success, describing the award as a collective achievement.

Her reporting, centred on grassroots stories, reflects a growing shift in Kenyan media towards more inclusive narratives that celebrate resilience and community leadership. 

Through her platform, Hamadi has helped amplify the voices of women whose work strengthens local development. Also recognised was Paul Julius Nunda, widely known as Jua Cali, for his role in shaping Kenya’s contemporary music scene. As a pioneer of the genge genre, he has blended local languages with urban rhythms, creating a distinctly Kenyan sound that has influenced generations of artists. 

Beyond his music, Jua Cali has supported emerging talent and promoted cultural expression, earning him recognition as a key figure in the country’s creative sector.

Their recognition highlights the broader definition of heroism in Kenya, which now includes cultural innovation and social impact alongside traditional public service. 

The National Heroes Council, established under the National Heroes Act of 2014, oversees the selection process. Honourees are chosen through public nominations, careful vetting and presidential approval, with selection based on excellence, selflessness and commitment to national values such as integrity, patriotism and social cohesion.

This year’s list includes contributors from various sectors, including education, philanthropy, media and the arts, reflecting the diverse ways individuals shape national progress. The inclusion of international figures also underscores Kenya’s recognition of global partnerships that support its development goals.