President Ruto Honors Prince Rahim Aga Khan with Kenya's Highest Civilian Award
Quote from Lawyer on August 27, 2025, 7:00 amOn Tuesday, President William Ruto bestowed the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH), Kenya's most prestigious civilian honor, upon His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V during a ceremony at State House, Nairobi. This distinguished award, typically reserved for sitting heads of state or exceptional global leaders, recognizes the remarkable contributions of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to Kenya's development and humanity at large.
In his acceptance speech, Prince Rahim expressed deep gratitude to President Ruto, stating, "I thank you, Your Excellency, for your hospitality and the honor you have conferred on me today. I accept this decoration as recognition of the past and a pledge for the future, to continue working alongside the people of Kenya toward a more inclusive, equitable, and hopeful tomorrow."
President Ruto praised the AKDN's longstanding partnership with Kenya, emphasizing its transformative impact across multiple sectors. "For decades, the Aga Khan Development Network has been a trusted partner in Kenya's development, establishing hospitals and schools that save lives and nurture talent, investing in sectors that spur growth and create jobs, and advancing initiatives that safeguard our heritage and strengthen communities," he said. He noted that these efforts align seamlessly with Kenya's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritizes equity, opportunity, and dignity for all citizens.
The President also paid tribute to the legacy of the late His Highness Aga Khan IV, whose dedication to improving quality of life and collaboration with Kenya since independence left an indelible mark. "We are confident that under your stewardship, the Imamat will not only continue this noble mission but also open new frontiers of cooperation," Ruto told Prince Rahim.
The AKDN's contributions span critical areas of development. In healthcare, its facilities handle over 900,000 patient visits annually, providing vital maternal and child health services that save countless lives. Through partnerships with the Social Health Authority, the network has expanded access to advanced medical procedures, including kidney transplants and cardiac surgeries, ensuring vulnerable Kenyans receive comprehensive care without financial ruin.
In education, the Aga Khan Foundation has supported nearly 1,000 public schools, impacting hundreds of thousands of students and educators. Programs like Schools2030 promote innovation and excellence, equipping young Kenyans with the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Environmentally, the AKDN has made significant strides, planting 1.5 million trees over three years, particularly in the Mau Forest, bolstering Kenya's conservation efforts. Looking forward, President Ruto welcomed the Imamat's collaboration on key national initiatives, including the Affordable Housing Programme and the Nairobi River Regeneration through the Climate WorkX program, which engages tens of thousands of Kenyans in restoring ecosystems and creating sustainable urban environments.
"The people of Kenya hold you and the Imamat in the highest esteem," President Ruto concluded. "Today, we honor you not only as a leader but also as a partner and friend. We are confident that the bonds between us will grow stronger, driving forward a shared vision of dignity, justice, and prosperity for our people, our region, and the world."
On Tuesday, President William Ruto bestowed the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH), Kenya's most prestigious civilian honor, upon His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V during a ceremony at State House, Nairobi. This distinguished award, typically reserved for sitting heads of state or exceptional global leaders, recognizes the remarkable contributions of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to Kenya's development and humanity at large.
In his acceptance speech, Prince Rahim expressed deep gratitude to President Ruto, stating, "I thank you, Your Excellency, for your hospitality and the honor you have conferred on me today. I accept this decoration as recognition of the past and a pledge for the future, to continue working alongside the people of Kenya toward a more inclusive, equitable, and hopeful tomorrow."
President Ruto praised the AKDN's longstanding partnership with Kenya, emphasizing its transformative impact across multiple sectors. "For decades, the Aga Khan Development Network has been a trusted partner in Kenya's development, establishing hospitals and schools that save lives and nurture talent, investing in sectors that spur growth and create jobs, and advancing initiatives that safeguard our heritage and strengthen communities," he said. He noted that these efforts align seamlessly with Kenya's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which prioritizes equity, opportunity, and dignity for all citizens.
The President also paid tribute to the legacy of the late His Highness Aga Khan IV, whose dedication to improving quality of life and collaboration with Kenya since independence left an indelible mark. "We are confident that under your stewardship, the Imamat will not only continue this noble mission but also open new frontiers of cooperation," Ruto told Prince Rahim.
The AKDN's contributions span critical areas of development. In healthcare, its facilities handle over 900,000 patient visits annually, providing vital maternal and child health services that save countless lives. Through partnerships with the Social Health Authority, the network has expanded access to advanced medical procedures, including kidney transplants and cardiac surgeries, ensuring vulnerable Kenyans receive comprehensive care without financial ruin.
In education, the Aga Khan Foundation has supported nearly 1,000 public schools, impacting hundreds of thousands of students and educators. Programs like Schools2030 promote innovation and excellence, equipping young Kenyans with the tools to succeed in a rapidly changing world.
Environmentally, the AKDN has made significant strides, planting 1.5 million trees over three years, particularly in the Mau Forest, bolstering Kenya's conservation efforts. Looking forward, President Ruto welcomed the Imamat's collaboration on key national initiatives, including the Affordable Housing Programme and the Nairobi River Regeneration through the Climate WorkX program, which engages tens of thousands of Kenyans in restoring ecosystems and creating sustainable urban environments.
"The people of Kenya hold you and the Imamat in the highest esteem," President Ruto concluded. "Today, we honor you not only as a leader but also as a partner and friend. We are confident that the bonds between us will grow stronger, driving forward a shared vision of dignity, justice, and prosperity for our people, our region, and the world."