Claudia Kenyatta, the granddaughter of the late Kenya’s first president, Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, has been recognized with a prestigious honour in the United Kingdom.
She is set to be made a Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) by King Charles III for her exceptional contributions to heritage.
This recognition comes as part of the Monarch’s New Year Honours, which celebrate outstanding individual achievements and significant contributions to British society.
Claudia Kenyatta is the Director of Regions at Historic England and Chair Battersea Art Centre.
Little Known Details of Claudia Kenyatta
She was born in London and received her education at South Hampstead High School before pursuing a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Modern History at Oxford University.
Claudia later earned her Master of Arts (MA) in Museum Studies from University College London.
She is the granddaughter of Mzee Jomo Kenyatta, and his British wife, Edna Clarke. Claudia is also the daughter of Peter Kenyatta.
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Her Career
Claudia Kenyatta has held several prestigious roles throughout her professional career. She served as a Board Trustee for the Black Cultural Archives from February 2022 to December 2023, a position she held for nearly two years.
Additionally, Claudia has an extensive tenure at the Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS), where she contributed significantly over a span of six and a half years. Her roles included:
- Director, Corporate Strategy (April 2017 – September 2018) for 1 year and 6 months, where she worked alongside Kate Joseph.
- Director for Digital Economy (Interim) (April 2016 – April 2017) for 1 year and 1 month, overseeing crucial digital economy initiatives.
- Deputy Director, Digital Economy Unit (November 2015 – April 2016) for 6 months, assisting in the development of digital strategies.
- Head of Ceremonial and Appointments (June 2013 – November 2015) for 2 years and 6 months, managing the department’s ceremonial responsibilities.
- Head of Heritage (April 2012 – June 2013) for 1 year and 3 months, where she played a key role in heritage management within the department.
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About the UK New Year Honour Awards
Honours, as part of orders of chivalry, have been bestowed by monarchs since the Middle Ages.
Over time, the British honours system has evolved to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions in public life and committed themselves to serving and helping Britain.
The honours system acknowledges a wide range of people: long-term volunteers, innovators, entrepreneurs, those displaying moral courage, and individuals making a tangible difference in their community or field.
It also recognizes those working to improve the lives of others, particularly those who are less able to help themselves.
Honours are granted across various fields, including sports, health, science and technology, education, business, and the arts and media.
These prestigious awards are announced twice a year—once at New Year and again in June, coinciding with the King’s official birthday.
The lists of honorees are published in The Gazette, the official newspaper of the Crown.
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