President William Ruto has conferred His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V with Kenya’s highest civilian honour— the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H).
Ruto, who welcomed Prince Rahim at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, August 26, said the award recognises the Shia Ismaili Muslims’ spiritual leader’s distinguished and outstanding services to Kenya and humanity, particularly through the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
“On behalf of the Government and the people of Kenya, I extend my warmest congratulations to you, Your Highness Prince Rahim Al Hussaini Aga Khan V, upon assuming the esteemed leadership as the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. I also take great pride in congratulating you on receiving the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), Kenya’s highest civilian honour, a recognition of your personal commitment and the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) distinguished service to the people of Kenya,” said President Ruto.
Princess Zahra awarded E.G.H award
At the same time, the Head of State congratulated Princess Zahra Aga Khan on being awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.).
He said that the honour “reflects her outstanding leadership and lifelong dedication to advancing health, education, and social development here in Kenya and around the world.”
“This moment is both historic and symbolic. It affirms Kenya’s deep appreciation of the enduring legacy of the Ismaili Imamat, whose service to humanity has long been a pillar of our national journey,” Ruto added.
“For decades, the Aga Khan Development Network has been a trusted ally in Kenya’s development: Establishing hospitals and schools that save lives and nurture talent; investing in hospitality, media, and insurance to spur growth and create jobs; and advancing cultural and environmental initiatives that safeguard our heritage and strengthen communities.”
President Ruto further praised the transformative impact of AKDN in Kenya, highlighting its deep involvement in critical sectors. He noted the recent partnership between the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Aga Khan University Hospital, which he said now expands access to advanced kidney and cardiac care, protecting vulnerable Kenyans from catastrophic health costs.
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In education, he lauded the Aga Khan Foundation’s support for nearly 1,000 public schools and the co-hosting of the Schools2030 initiative, aimed at driving innovation and excellence.
On environmental conservation, Ruto commended the planting of 1.5 million trees in Kenya—particularly in the Mau Forest—contributing to a global initiative that has planted over 100 million trees across Asia and Africa.
President Ruto hosts His Highness the Aga Khan V at State House, Nairobi
The President emphasized that the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government and the Ismaili Imamat marks a new chapter of deeper cooperation across healthcare, education, climate action, and cultural preservation.
President Ruto also expressed optimism about deepening collaboration with the Ismaili Imamat in key areas central to Kenya’s development. He welcomed AKDN’s potential partnership in the Affordable Housing Programme, a flagship initiative aimed at providing dignified shelter for millions while generating jobs, supporting industries, and empowering small enterprises.
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He also highlighted ongoing efforts under the Climate WorkX programme, which is focused on restoring ecosystems, cleaning waterways, and building sustainable urban environments.
“We also seek to work closely with you on the Nairobi River Regeneration through the Climate WorkX programme, which is already engaging 40,000 Kenyans in Nairobi in meaningful work to restore ecosystems, clean rivers, and create sustainable urban spaces. These initiatives are reviving our capital city, providing young people with real employment opportunities, and positioning Nairobi and other urban centres as global models of green, resilient renewal,” Ruto added.
“He further affirmed that with AKDN’s expertise in conservation, cultural heritage, and community-driven development, these joint efforts can achieve greater scale, ensuring climate action delivers both environmental and human dignity outcomes.”
Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V was in February this year named the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims worldwide. Rahim was unveiled as the 50th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Muslims, taking up the role from his father, Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, who died on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at the age of 88.
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