Orders, decorations, and medals of Kenya are awarded by the President of Kenya "in recognition of outstanding or distinguished services rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities". Awards are made by the president upon the advice of a National Honours and Awards Committee in the president's office. Individuals are nominated for awards by district committees, government ministries, religious organisations, non-governmental organisations, individuals and others.
The awards that are issued are:
Of these awards, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya is the highest honour in Kenya and as of 2009 the award has been bestowed on 198 people since Kenyan independence. Recipients of this award include Yoweri Museveni the President of Uganda, and Aga Khan IV. The President of Kenya holds the position of Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, the incumbent is Uhuru Muigai Kenyatta.