Princess Zahra Aga Khan has been conferred with Kenya’s prestigious Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi.
In a statement shared on Friday, February 13, President Ruto confirmed that Princess Zahra Aga Khan was awarded for her tireless commitment to improving lives under the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
This award recognizes her outstanding leadership and sustained commitment to advancing health, education, and social development through the AKDN and Aga Khan University.
Since independence, the Aga Khan family has maintained a close and impactful relationship with Kenya through the Aga Khan Development Network.
Princess Zahra’s Early Life and Education
Within the larger Aga Khan family, Princess Zahra maintains a prominent status as one of the most senior members of the family and the first child of Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
She was born on September 18, 1970, as the first daughter of the late Karim Al Hussueini, also known as Aga Khan IV, the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, and Salimah Aga Khan.
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She is a sister to Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the current Imam.
She attended Le Rosey School in Switzerland for her secondary education and later attended Harvard University in the USA, earning a Bachelor of Arts (cum laude) in Development Studies in 1994.
Upon completing her degree, she joined a four-month program at the Massachusetts General Hospital to deepen her understanding of healthcare systems and the delivery of advanced medical care.
She then joined the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland, where she took an Executive Finance course, enhancing her skills in financial and strategic management.
Leadership, Roles, and Key Achievements
She serves as a board member of AKDN, where she oversees strategic policy and management across healthcare, education, planning, and social development programs in multiple countries.
Zahra is also Pro-Chancellor of the Aga Khan University, guiding the institution’s strategic direction in medical education, research, and public service.
Princess Zahra has worked with multiple AKDN agencies, including the Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Health Services, Aga Khan Agency for Microfinance, and the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat, supporting projects that improve livelihoods, empower women, train youth, and promote economic growth.
Aga Khan Background & Businesses in Kenya
Rahim’s father, His Highness the Aga Khan IV, was the 49th hereditary spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and the founder and president of AKDN, which employs 96,000 people and finances development programs, particularly in Asia and Africa.
Communications and Media Company Owned by Aga Khan
- Nation Media Group: Founded in 1959, Nation Media Group is East Africa’s leading media organization, owning influential publications and broadcasting outlets, including Daily Nation, Sunday Nation, Business Daily, and NTV Kenya. Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, NMG also has subsidiaries in Uganda.
Banking and Finance
Aga Khan IV had significant investments in the banking and finance sector, including:
- Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) Kenya Ltd – Nairobi (Banking)
- Jubilee Holdings Ltd – Nairobi (Life and General Insurance)
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Hospitality and Tourism
Aga Khan IV owned a majority stake in Serena Hotels through his investment company TPS Eastern Africa, after purchasing an additional 2.42% stake.
Some of the notable hotels under Serena Hotels include:
- Nairobi Serena Hotel – A 400-bed luxury hotel in Nairobi.
- Amboseli Serena Safari Lodge – Situated in Amboseli National Park.
Industries
Aga Khan IV also had investments in various industries, including manufacturing, agribusiness, and industrial development:
- Industrial Promotion Services (Kenya) Ltd – Nairobi (Development Institution)
- Allpack Industries Ltd – Nairobi (Manufactures high-quality corrugated carton packaging and polypropylene bags)
- Alltex EPZ Ltd – Nairobi (Garment manufacturing)
- Botanical Extracts EPZ Ltd – Athi River (Production of Artemisinin)
- Farmer’s Choice Ltd – Nairobi (Meat processing)
- Frigoken Ltd – Nairobi (Vegetable processing for export)
- Kamyn Industries Ltd – Mombasa (Hosiery manufacturing)
Hospitals
Aga Khan IV established and supported numerous hospitals and medical institutions under the Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) and Aga Khan University (AKU). Some of the most notable hospitals include:
- Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi
- Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi
- Aga Khan University Hospital, Kampala
- Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es Salaam
- Aga Khan Hospital for Women, Karimabad
- Aga Khan Hospital, Kisumu
- Aga Khan Hospital, Mombasa
Education
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) manages several educational institutions, including schools, academies, and universities.
Universities
- Aga Khan University (AKU), Nairobi
Schools
- Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi – An International Baccalaureate (IB) World School offering academic, athletic, and enrichment programs.
- Aga Khan High School, Nairobi – A prestigious high school in Nairobi, Kenya.
- Aga Khan High School, Mombasa – A top secondary school in Mombasa, Kenya.
- Aga Khan Nursery School, Eldoret – A well-known nursery school in Eldoret, Kenya.
International Properties and Investments
Beyond business and philanthropy, Aga Khan IV owned luxurious personal assets, including:
- Alamshar – A superyacht worth approximately £200 million.
- Bombardier Global 7500 – A private jet.
- A private island in the Bahamas.
- Lavish stables in Chantilly, France.
Afghanistan
- Telecom Development Company Afghanistan LLC (operating under the Roshan brand – GSM Mobile Telecommunications) – Kabul.
India
- DCB Bank Ltd – Mumbai (Banking)
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