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Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi hailed the Aga Khan Development Network’s impact, noting that Prince Rahim and Princess Zahra were already gazetted for the country’s highest honours.
Nairobi, Kenya – President William Ruto has conferred the Order of the Golden Heart, Kenya’s highest civilian decoration, on Prince Rahim Aga Khan V during his first formal visit to the country since assuming the leadership of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community. The visit and award underline Kenya’s enduring partnership with the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), one of the most influential philanthropic and development institutions operating in the region.
Prince Rahim, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Ismaili Muslims, succeeded his father, the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, earlier this year. His Nairobi trip marks his first official state visit as the spiritual leader of millions of Ismailis worldwide, and carries symbolic weight given the deep roots the Aga Khan family has established in Kenya for more than a century.
Upon his arrival at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Prince Rahim was received by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. In a welcoming address, Mudavadi hailed the Aga Khan family’s contribution to Kenya’s growth, noting that the AKDN has been “a partner in building our healthcare, our education, our media institutions, and our environmental stewardship.”
The award of the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.) places Prince Rahim in a select group of global leaders and eminent personalities recognized for extraordinary service to Kenya.
A gazette notice published on 7 March confirmed that both Prince Rahim and his sister, Princess Zahra Aga Khan, had been honoured by the State. While Prince Rahim received the C.G.H., Princess Zahra was conferred the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.), reflecting her decades of work in education and health development through AKDN institutions.
The Order is typically reserved for heads of state, philanthropists, and exceptional leaders whose work directly impacts Kenya’s development and international standing. Past recipients include presidents, liberation leaders, and key allies who have advanced Kenya’s strategic interests.
The recognition comes against the backdrop of the Aga Khan Development Network’s extensive involvement in Kenya’s social and economic development. Over the decades, AKDN has invested in:
Healthcare – Establishing world-class facilities such as the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi and regional clinics that provide quality medical care to thousands annually.
Education – Founding the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa and supporting public education initiatives that foster leadership and innovation among young Kenyans.
Media – Through the Nation Media Group, AKDN has played a pivotal role in shaping independent journalism and free press in East Africa.
Environmental projects – Championing sustainability initiatives including coastal ecosystem protection and rural development programs.
Collectively, these initiatives have positioned AKDN as one of the most significant non-state actors in Kenya’s development landscape.
The conferment of Kenya’s highest honours on Prince Rahim and Princess Zahra is widely seen as a reaffirmation of the deep historical ties between the Kenyan state and the Aga Khan family. Since the colonial era, the Ismaili community, under Aga Khan leadership, has been central to commerce, social services, and philanthropy in Kenya.
Prince Rahim’s visit is also expected to strengthen Kenya’s place as a hub for AKDN operations in Africa. While details of his itinerary remain under wraps, officials at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that the Imam will hold high-level discussions with government leaders and engage with AKDN partners on expanding investments in healthcare, education, and environmental protection.
The state recognition of Prince Rahim Aga Khan with the Order of the Golden Heart is more than ceremonial. It signals continuity in Kenya’s long-standing relationship with the Aga Khan family and highlights the value of philanthropic partnerships in national development. As Kenya grapples with healthcare demands, education reform, and environmental challenges, AKDN’s involvement is expected to remain a critical pillar in the country’s development journey.
