Salat Mohamud Mohamed and Elias Jama Noor are among 180 Kenyans proposed to be declared national heroes in 2025, recognised for their outstanding contributions to entrepreneurship, industry, and peacebuilding.
The National Heroes Council said the nominees have made lasting impacts across multiple sectors, from business and economic development to conflict resolution, inspiring communities and strengthening national growth and social cohesion.
Their achievements demonstrate how dedication, innovation, and leadership can transform lives and promote Kenya’s profile regionally and internationally.
Salat Mohamud Mohamed, group CEO of Hass Petroleum, has driven the company’s expansion across ten African countries, creating thousands of jobs and attracting major investments.
He has championed inclusive growth, empowered local talent, and promoted clean energy through electric vehicle charging stations and Auto-gas fueling.
“Salat is being honoured for his exceptional leadership in entrepreneurship and industry,” the council said, highlighting his commitment to both economic development and sustainable innovation.
Elias Jama Noor is recognised for his vital role in the Peace Education Campaign Torch amid the 2007 post-election violence, which left over 1,000 people dead and displaced hundreds of thousands.
He championed peace education, helping restore calm, rebuild trust, and encourage children’s return to school. His efforts contributed to healing divided communities and fostering lasting reconciliation.
Other peace-focused nominees include Sagar Aden Hassan, Dr. Sellah Jebwambok Ruto, Kevin Stephen Osido, John Mwangi Munyiri, and H.E. Dr. Amb. Jonathan Ojadah, all of whom have advanced conflict resolution, governance, and social harmony.
The nominees in entrepreneurship and industry have also made remarkable contributions. Judy Mwende Mutunga founded Ustawi Foods, producing nutritious flours and food products to address malnutrition and vitamin A deficiency.
David Wambua Joel pioneered infrastructure and agribusiness initiatives, including the Masinga and Kiambere dams, irrigation systems, and community livestock projects, while reviving Makueni Ginneries Limited into a profitable rural empowerment model.
FA James Wanguyu transformed capital markets and investment banking, launching the Mansa-X Fund and Kenya’s first Islamic investment banking division.
Victor Otieno Maura boosted local economic growth in Siaya County through a palm oil pressing unit, creating jobs and improving livelihoods.
Luke Mwiti Kinoti co-founded Fusion Capital Group, mobilising over KSh 200 billion in foreign investments between 2006 and 2017, supporting more than 350 companies and thousands of jobs.
Fatma Abubakar Abdalla Elmaawy has trained startups, SMEs, universities, and marginalized groups, including teen mothers, while promoting ethical business practices.
Tobias Ouma Alando, Clement Tulezi, Julius Festus Mutinda Munene, Charles Maina Thuo, and Bertrand Lubanga Ngaywa have advanced manufacturing, eco-friendly floriculture, innovative dam liners, digitized logistics, and clean energy adoption, fostering sustainable growth and climate resilience.
Inspector Patrick Joshua Indimuli has provided leadership and guidance on community safety, mobilising local leaders and security officers to address crime, alcohol, and drug abuse.
Collectively, the nominees demonstrate Kenya’s potential for growth, innovation, and social cohesion through entrepreneurship, peacebuilding, and ethical leadership.
The National Heroes Council opened public nominations in July 2025, inviting individuals, groups, and institutions to propose candidates.
“Pursuant to provisions of Section 22 of the Act, the public is hereby notified that the Council is calling for submission of proposals for nomination of suitable persons to be recommended for declaration as national heroes,” the notice read.
Nominations were accepted until July 21, 2025, for recognition on Mashujaa Day on October 20.
Under the Kenya Heroes Act, nominees must have contributed selflessly in any of 14 areas: liberation struggle, spiritual leadership, indigenous knowledge, cultural values, arts, sports, scholarship, statesmanship, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, human rights, national cohesion, peace-making, and environmental conservation. They must also demonstrate values in Article 10 of the Constitution, including courage, commitment, perseverance, creativity, discipline, optimism, and innovation.
