Aasai

President William Ruto has conferred the highest civilian award in Kenya, the Commander of the Golden Heart of Kenya (CGH), on the global leader of the Ismaili Muslims, His Highness Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V. The award is in recognition of the personal dedication of Prince Aga Khan V and the distinguished service of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to the people of Kenya over the years. 

Presenting the award at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, President Ruto said: “This is a historic and symbolic moment. It reaffirms Kenya’s appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Ismaili Imamate, whose service to humanity has long been a pillar of our national journey.” Prince Aga Khan V became the 50th hereditary Imam of the Muslim world on February 5 following the death of his Shia Ismaili Muslim father, Aga Khan IV. 

Through the Aga Khan Development Network, which he heads, the Ismaili Muslim community worldwide has invested in various sectors of the economy, including media, education, health, banking, insurance, tourism and hospitality. In Kenya, they run Diamond Trust Bank, Serena Hotels, Jubilee Insurance, Nation Media Group, Aga Khan University Hospital, and Aga Khan University, among others.

 “These contributions are fully aligned with our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which is based on equality, opportunity, and dignity for all Kenyans,” President Ruto said. In his acceptance speech, Prince Aga Khan V said Kenya holds a special place in the hearts of his family, noting that some of them, including his late father and uncle, grew up in the country. 

“Some of the early Aga Khan development projects from my grandfather’s time were launched in this country, and many are still ongoing,” he said. “In Kenya, we have found a Government and a community that have consistently welcomed these efforts and supported them with vision and commitment.” 

The two leaders signed a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Kenya and the Ismaili Imamate to provide a framework for the recognition of the Ismaili Imamate as a legal entity representing the office of the Imam of the Shia Muslims to engage with the government on international relations. Another MoU is between the Government of Kenya and the Ismaili Imamate on Comprehensive Cooperation, which will provide a framework for bilateral cooperation in environmental conservation, urban regeneration and cultural heritage conservation. 

Flagship projects expected to benefit from the partnership include the Nairobi River Redevelopment Project, the National Museums Development, and the Rehabilitation of City Parks. “With AKDN’s proven expertise in conservation, cultural heritage, and community-led development, I am confident we can expand the scale and impact of these projects so that climate action leads to ecological restoration and human dignity,” he said.

 During the event, the sister of Prince Aga Khan V, Princess Zahra,He was also awarded the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) for his leadership in advancing health, education and social development in Kenya and beyond at the event. Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya Defence Forces Chief of Staff General Charles Kahariri, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and Attorney General Dorcas Oduor were also present.

 Others were Cabinet Secretaries Aden Duale (Health), Julius Ogamba (Education), Hassan Joho (Mining) and John Mbadi (Treasury), Majority Leader Kimani Incingwa, other Principal Secretaries.