Mr. Kennedy Kunani Isaac, the Deputy Principal of St. Stephen Namulungu Secondary School in Matungu Sub-county, has been awarded the prestigious Head of State Commendation (HSC). The recognition was conferred on October 20, 2025, during the Mashujaa Day celebrations held at Ithokwe Stadium in Kitui County.
Over 180 Kenyans were feted during the event organized by the National Heroes Council in recognition of their outstanding service to the nation.
Mr. Kunani, a soft-spoken educator who also serves as the National Organizing Secretary of the Amani Clubs in Kenya, was recognized for his tireless efforts in promoting peace and harmony in schools across the country. He has been instrumental in establishing Amani Clubs in learning institutions, which have played a major role in fostering peaceful coexistence among students and teachers.
“Amani Clubs have helped build peace and unity in our schools, which has in turn stabilized the education sector,” Mr. Kunani said.
He noted that the idea of forming Amani Clubs stemmed from the recommendations of the Kriggler Report following the 2007 post-election violence. The report led to the creation of the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC), which later introduced Amani Clubs to promote national unity through schools.
According to Mr. Kunani, schools with active Amani Clubs experience stronger relationships between teachers and students, regardless of ethnic backgrounds.
“These clubs have improved working relationships and brought peace and tranquility in schools. Where Amani Clubs exist, indiscipline cases are rare. We’ve seen unfortunate incidents like the unrest at Litein Boys High School, which could have been avoided if peace clubs were in place,” he remarked.
On receiving the award, Mr. Kunani expressed gratitude to the National Heroes Council for recognizing his efforts.
“I know it was very competitive, and being honored is no small achievement. This award inspires me to do even more to promote peace,” he said.
He also urged Kenyans to embrace unity and love regardless of their ethnic or regional backgrounds.
“No one applied to be born in Mombasa, Turkana, Kakamega, or Meru. We must see ourselves as one people and live in harmony,” he added.
Mr. Kunani explained that Amani Clubs mainly use debates as a tool to nurture peacebuilding and critical thinking among students.
“Debates empower learners to think critically. For more than 10 years, we have used this approach to help students become thoughtful leaders. These young people will one day serve in Parliament, the Senate, or the East African Legislative Assembly, and we are preparing them to champion cohesion and peace when that time comes,” he said.
He added that Amani Club debates begin at the zonal level and progress to national and East African championships.
“Our team will be representing Kenya at the East African Championships in December,” he revealed.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Kunani encouraged fellow teachers to remain committed to their calling.
“Follow your dreams and be passionate about what you do. If you stay consistent, success will eventually find you,” he advised.
He also thanked the National Heroes Council for their hospitality during the award ceremony in Kitui, reaffirming his belief that peace remains the foundation of progress.
