President William Ruto has awarded African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), Kenya’s highest honour, in recognition of his contributions to the country’s development. Dr. Adesina’s leadership has been instrumental in transformative projects such as the Last Mile Connectivity and Lake Turkana Wind initiatives.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto lauded AfDB for its vital support to Kenya’s agriculture, infrastructure, electricity access, and regional integration initiatives. 

He highlighted Dr. Adesina’s leadership, citing the Bank’s role in unlocking Kenya’s economic potential and improving livelihoods.

 “It is an honor that I have the privilege as President but on behalf of the government and the people of Kenya to award you for the distinguished service, the commitment you have demonstrated, and the passion you have worked with to see to it that in every way even before you became the President of the African Development Bank,” said Ruto.

“The AfDB has been at the center of our sustainable economic growth. We celebrate AfDB’s bold and visionary leadership, particularly Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, for facilitating Kenya and Africa to unlock their potential and improve people’s lives,” Ruto added.

The AfDB has funded major projects in Kenya, including the Lake Turkana project, the Menengai Geothermal Power Plant, and the $106 million Ethiopia-Kenya electricity highway.

The Bank has also financed key infrastructure developments such as the $107 million rehabilitation of Nairobi’s Outering Road, which was expanded from a single lane to a dual carriageway, and the expansion of Thika Superhighway.

On his part, Dr. Adesina thanked President Ruto for honoring him with the prestigious award. The C.G.H. is the highest award in Kenya, mostly given to sitting heads of state or exceptional global leaders.

“Your Excellency, President Ruto, I am most grateful to you for conferring on me the prestigious honor of the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), Kenya’s highest and most distinguished honor. I am very humbled by your incredible kindness. What a great honor, what a rare privilege, what a historic recognition. Thank you, Mr. President,” said the AfDB President.

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