The Aga Khan signs social programs deal on first Kenya trip
President William Ruto has conferred on Prince Rahim the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), Kenya’s highest civilian honour, while Princess Zahra Aga Khan received the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) for her contributions to health, education and social development.
Kenya and the Ismaili Imamat have entered into an agreement to deepen cooperation cutting across opportunities in housing, healthcare, education and measures to tackle the negative impact of climate change.
The move follows a meeting between President William Ruto and His Highness Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, during his inaugural visit in Kenya since assuming leadership of the Ismaili community.
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"We deeply value our close ties with the Ismaili Imamat, which have fostered strong collaboration in critical areas such as healthcare, education, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation," noted President Ruto.
He added: "This partnership has delivered health facilities that serve over 900,000 patients annually, supported nearly 1,000 public schools, and facilitated the planting of 1.5 million trees in Kenya over the past three years."
The President lauded the deal as a “major milestone” in the country's engagement with the Ismaili community, noting that the latest phase will advance achievement of his government’s agenda.
"We look forward to expanding our cooperation in the Affordable Housing Programme, which will provide safe homes and create thousands of jobs, as well as in the Nairobi River Regeneration through the Climate WorX initiative, which already engages 40,000 Kenyans in restoring ecosystems and renewing our capital city," the President added.
The President also conferred on Prince Rahim the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), Kenya’s highest civilian honour, while Princess Zahra Aga Khan received the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) for her contributions to health, education and social development.
Prince Rahim succeeded His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who passed on February 4 in Lisbon, Portugal, aged 88. The Aga Khan is regarded as a direct descendent of the Prophet Mohammed, given nearly divine status as the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili sect of Shia Islam.
Alongside AKDN, the Swiss-born philanthropist was also the founder of the Nairobi Securities Exchange-listed Nation Media Group.
