- Former Kisii University Vice Chancellor Prof John Akama has been proposed for recognition as a national hero.
- His nomination recognises his contribution to higher education, institution building, scholarship and public service.
- Enock Okong’o reports that Akama is being considered under scholarship, professionalism and research.
Former Kisii University Vice Chancellor Prof John Musarano Akama is among personalities proposed for recognition as national heroes during this year’s Mashujaa Day celebrations.
In a message seen by Education News, Prof Akama is being recognised for his leadership in higher education, institution building and public service.
As the pioneering Principal of Kisii University College and later Vice Chancellor, he steered the growth of the institution from 300 students and two degree programmes to more than 30,000 students, producing more than 40,000 graduates in Law, Medicine, Journalism and other disciplines.
He spearheaded major infrastructure development, including modern hostels to accommodate the growing student population, lecture theatres, laboratories, a library and administrative blocks that transformed Kisii University into one of the fastest-growing public universities in Kenya.
Prof Akama is being considered under the category of scholarship, professionalism and research, one of the 14 functional areas recognised under the Kenya Heroes Act No. 5 of 2014.
Mashujaa Day is observed annually on October 20. Mashujaa is Swahili for heroes.
The day was originally celebrated as Kenyatta Day in honour of founding President Jomo Kenyatta and other freedom fighters detained during the colonial struggle.
After the promulgation of the Constitution in 2010, it was renamed Mashujaa Day to honour all heroes and heroines, both past and present, who have contributed to the struggle for freedom and to post-independence nation-building.
Today, it celebrates Kenyans from all walks of life whose sacrifices and achievements have shaped the country’s journey towards unity, development and justice. The national celebrations are rotated across counties to promote inclusivity and national pride.
National heroes selection process
The recognition of national heroes is anchored in the Kenya Heroes Act No. 5 of 2014, which established the National Heroes Council.
The Council identifies, selects and provides for the recognition of national heroes.
The 14 functional areas for recognition include liberation struggle, spiritual leadership, indigenous knowledge, cultural values and practices, arts, sports, scholarship, professionalism and research, peace-making, statesmanship, entrepreneurship and industry, philanthropy, human rights, national cohesion and integration, and environmental conservation.
Names of proposed heroes are subjected to public participation before successful nominees complete the process leading to formal recognition.
READ ALSO: University of Nairobi to establish Raila Odinga Centre for Democracy
Prof Akama served as the first Vice Chancellor of Kisii University after the institution attained full university status and left the position in 2023.
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