The Illustrious Order of Kinabalu is established by virtue of Section 3(a) of State Honours Enactment 1963.

[1] The Enactment deals with all aspects including process of nomination, conferral, wearing of medals, promotion in the Order and quotas.

An example is Shane Leslie Stone, former Chief Minister of Northern Territory, Australia who was made a Commander of the Order in 1998.

This award is conferred to those who had the high position in the community and served more to Sabah, but has unequal influence and service with the Commanders.

The position, service and influence of this award bearer is lower than the others but higher than the recipients of the Medals of State.