A survey by Infotrak has shown that a majority of Kenyans are dissatisfied with how heroes and heroines are recognized.
According to the poll, 65 per cent of Kenyans feel the government has not done enough to recognize and honour its national heroes and heroines properly
Infotrak said the sentiment was strongest in Coast (75 per cent) North Eastern (55 per cent) and Eastern (67 per cent).
In contrast, Nairobi respondents were the most likely to feel that the country had done enough, with 42 per cent agreeing that heroes were being adequately celebrated.
41 per cent felt that the country had done enough to recognize its heroes, compared to 29 per cent of men.
"This could suggest that women may feel more positively about current efforts to recognize contributions in areas traditionally associated with them, such as community development and social justice," Infotrak said in its poll.
"Younger respondents, particularly those in the 18-26 age group, were more critical, with 56 per cent believing that not enough has been done
to celebrate heroes, possibly reflecting a desire for the recognition of more contemporary figures who resonate with youth, such as Gen
Z activists or younger political figures like Babu Owino."
The opinion poll was conducted on September 27 – 28, 2024.
Quantitative interviews were conducted through Computer Assisted Telephone Interviews.
The overall poll had a target survey sample size of 800 respondents with a ±3.5% at 95 per cent degree of confidence.
The survey covered all the 8 regions of Kenya.
In September, The National Heroes Council called on the public to give their views on the proposed nominees for recognition as national heroes and heroines.
The council in a notice on Tuesday said the names and details of all the people who have been nominated can be accessed from the council's website www.heroes.go.ke.
The heroes and heroines were honoured during the Mashujaa Day celebration.
The day is used to honour individuals who have significantly contributed to Kenya's history and progress.