Proposed legislation seeks to create a framework through which each county can recognise and honour their outstanding residents
Governors could soon have the power to honour individuals hailed as outstanding, exceptional or illustrious in any profession or activity, if a Bill before the Senate is passed into law.
The County Hall of Fame Bill, 2023 wants governors to be given the authority to induct into the county Hall of fame, any person who shows exemplary qualities, actions or achievements.
This may be in the form of heroic acts, acts of sacrifice and bravery, patriotism or exemplary leadership aimed at improving the welfare of a county or a country.
The Bill, which is currently on the floor of the House awaiting debate, seeks to create a framework through which each county can recognise and honour their outstanding residents.
It argues that any person who has made an exemplary contribution to the county or country in the economic, social, scientific, academic, public administration, governance, sports, journalism, business, security or other field will be eligible for the honour.
Similar recognition will be extended to any State officer or public officer who has made an exemplary contribution to the betterment of the county government or a person who has otherwise brought honour, glory or pride to a county.
The proposed law, which is sponsored by nominated senator Miraj Abdulrahman, wants to establish a hall of fame in each of the 47 counties.
Nominated Senator Miraj Abdulrahman: she proposed the bill.
The hall of fame will honour the achievements of persons who have made significant contributions to the county and also serve as a repository and source of information for members of the public on the history, heritage and culture of the county
It also seeks to have the Hall of Fame serve as a mechanism for the preservation of historical documents and artefacts relating to the county while also promoting the preservation of the prevailing heritage and culture found within the county.
“The establishment of the County Hall of Fame will enable each county to preserve its history, culture and heritage,” says Senator Abdulrahman.
The honours, the proposed law argues, will be bestowed on an individual through the recommendation of a County Hall of Fame Selection Committee.
The committee will be tasked with the responsibility of receiving and considering representations from any person, body, association of persons or corporation recommending the induction of a person into the county hall of fame.
It is this committee that upon deliberations, will then recommend to the governor, on its own motion or on a representation on persons who may be considered for induction into the county hall of fame.
In making a recommendation for the induction of a person into the county hall of fame, the Selection Committee shall take into account the impact that such person has had on the county or country including the social or economic impact of such person’s actions.
The Bill was first published on March 8, 2021 with the then Elgeyo Marakwet senator Kipchumba Murkomen as the sponsor.
It was introduced in the Senate and passed and referred to the National Assembly on February 2, 2022 where it lapsed.
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