Throughout his life Kekilbayev was recognized with several awards and titles such as Hero of Labour (firstier kazakh writer and man, which with this award) National Writer of Kazakhstan, laureate of the State Prize, a philologist, academician of the Academy of Social Sciences, Emeritus Professor of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University and of the L. Gumilyov Eurasian State University.

With his direct participation at this studio, films such Qyz Jibek, The End of the Ataman, Kok Serik, Trans-Siberian Express and others, rightfully included in the golden fund of Kazakh cinematography and in the history of world cinema were created.

By that time, Kekilbayev for a number of years was in charge of the fiction sector of the culture department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Kazakhstan.

During this period, thanks to the knowledge and efforts of Kekilbaev, historical monuments of Kazakhstan such as in Turkistan, Sayram, Otrar, Taraz, Mangystau, Shubartau, Atyrau gained worldwide fame.

Kekilbaev enjoyed great authority and respect, deserved recognition of his colleagues and the general public, being the head of the referent for culture and interethnic relations of the Office of the President of the Kazakh SSR.

With his direct participation, the Laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the press and other mass media", "On the protection and use of historical and cultural heritage", "On freedom of religion and religious associations" and others were prepared and adopted.

Undoubtedly, his its work will enter the Kazakh historic calendar as one of the notable milestones in formation of new statehood and democracy… We have never had a professional Parliament and we have to act by the method of trials and errors… Gradually goes the crystallization of powers of the Supreme Soviet, possessing new status.

"[6]On the eve of Kazakhstan independence, Kekilbayev addressed the issues of Kazakh language, onomastics, national history, socio-cultural aspects and international relations.

[8][9][10] In 2009, during the opening of the Qazaq Eli monument in front of the Palace of Independence, Kekilbaev praised Nazarbayev saying “our genius people know to whom they entrust their fate.

This prose ballad, written in a bardic style, reflects the ancient rivalry between Kazakh and Turkmen nomads across the endless steppe, capturing their struggles over pasture, livestock, and occasionally, women.

On the eve of Independence Day in 2009, President Nursultan Nazarbayev conferred upon Kekilbayev the highest state title, Qazaqstannyn Enbek Eri (Hero of Labour of Kazakhstan), for his outstanding services to the nation, his contributions to culture and literature, and his active public engagement.

Nazarbayev remarked that Kekilbayev’s literary achievements, political involvement, and public service reflect a profound contribution to strengthening Kazakhstan's independence, building a new state, and cultivating a high spiritual life within society.