Ruto bestows Kenya’s highest honours on Prince Rahim Aga Khan, signs historic MoUs with Ismaili Imamat

Nairobi, Aug 26, 2025 — President William Ruto has awarded His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V Kenya’s highest civilian honour, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH), in recognition of the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) decades of service in health, education, media and culture. Princess Zahra Aga Khanreceived the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) at the State House ceremony.

Symbolism of the awards

• Ruto described the moment as “historic and symbolic”, affirming Kenya’s appreciation for the Ismaili Imamat’s humanitarian service.

• He praised AKDN for building hospitals, schools, and cultural institutions, while driving environmental and insurance-sector innovations.

• Prince Rahim has worked on Kenyan development projects for over 30 years; his late father, the Aga Khan IV, received similar honours from President Mwai Kibaki.

Prince Rahim’s response

In his remarks, Prince Rahim said: “It is a privilege to be here among the leaders of a nation with which the Ismaili Imamat shares a long friendship, profound respect and deepening partnership.” He pledged continued collaboration in:

• Climate action

• Urban regeneration

• Cultural preservation

New agreements sealed

Two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed between the Kenyan government and the Ismaili Imamat:

1. Diplomatic recognition: Formally recognising the Ismaili Imamat as a legal entity capable of engaging in diplomatic relations with Kenya.

2. Development cooperation: Establishing frameworks for joint work in:

   • Environmental conservation

   • Urban rehabilitation (notably the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Project)

   • Cultural preservation (national museums and City Park rehabilitation)

Ruto said the pacts provide a foundation for deeper collaboration in health, education, and climate resilience.

Why it matters

• Diplomatic first: Recognition of the Imamat as a legal entity strengthens Kenya’s global partnerships beyond state actors.

• Development gains: AKDN’s footprint — Aga Khan University Hospital, Nation Media Group, Jubilee Insurance, Aga Khan Academies — has shaped Kenya’s health, education and media landscapes.

• Symbolic continuity: The award continues a tradition of honouring Aga Khan leaders for their contribution to Kenya’s progress since independence.