he National Heroes being awarded to Dr. Manu Chandaria, in recognition of his exceptional contribution to national development and philanthropy./PHOTO'Courtesy
The award was presented on March 26, 2026, at his residence in Runda, Nairobi, by Felix Koskei, Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff.
In a statement shared on X, Koskei noted that Chandaria’s work across key sectors has had “immense impact across the country.”
Chandaria’s philanthropic footprint is particularly visible in healthcare.
He has supported the establishment of accident and emergency centres in Nairobi and Mombasa, expanding access to critical care.
At Gertrude’s Children’s Hospital, his contributions have enabled the development of specialised services, including oncology care and Sub-Saharan Africa’s first paediatric bone marrow transplant centre.
In education, Chandaria has funded scholarships and partnered with leading institutions such as United States International University-Africa, Kenyatta University, and the University of Nairobi, helping expand access to higher learning for thousands of students.
He also supported the establishment of the Chandaria Centre for Performing Arts at the University of Nairobi, creating a platform for nurturing creative talent.
Beyond philanthropy, Chandaria has played a key role in shaping Kenya’s business environment.
As founding chairman of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance and the East African Business Council, he has contributed to policies that promote enterprise growth and regional integration.
His work also focuses on marginalised communities. Vocational training programmes in prisons, including Lang’ata, Shimo La Tewa, Meru, and Kisumu, equip women with skills for reintegration into society.
Environmental initiatives under his foundation have established tree nurseries in 14 counties, supporting Kenya’s reforestation efforts.
Chandaria’s global recognition includes being awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 2003 and the Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy in 2022, where he became the first African recipient.
Koskei commended Chandaria for his enduring service, describing him as an example of responsible leadership and national contribution.
The National Heroes Award follows earlier recognition by William Samoei Ruto during the 2025 Mashujaa Day celebrations.
For many, the latest honour affirms a lifetime dedicated to advancing opportunity and transforming lives across Kenya.
From healthcare and education to enterprise and environmental stewardship, Chandaria’s work continues to shape communities and expand access to opportunity both nationally and beyond.
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