President William Ruto has conferred the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH) on His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V. The award, which is Kenya’s most prestigious civilian honor, is a direct recognition of the exemplary work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and its enduring commitment to the nation's progress. The honor is typically reserved for sitting heads of state and extraordinary global leaders, underscoring the immense respect and gratitude Kenya holds for the AKDN.
The ceremony at State House, Nairobi, was a moment of mutual admiration and a celebration of a partnership that has spanned decades. Speaking after receiving the award, Prince Rahim expressed his gratitude, stating, “I accept this decoration for the recognition of the past but also as a pledge for the future, a pledge to continue working side by side with the people of Kenya.” His words were a clear signal that the AKDN's commitment to Kenya is not only a look back at its legacy but also a firm promise for continued collaboration.
President Ruto, in his presentation, highlighted the profound and lasting impact of the AKDN’s contributions across various sectors. He praised the network for being a "trusted partner in Kenya’s development," establishing hospitals and schools that "save lives and nurture talent." The President noted that the AKDN’s initiatives in healthcare, education, and economic development are perfectly aligned with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which is "anchored in equity, opportunity, and dignity for all Kenyans."
The President also took a moment to acknowledge the immense legacy of the late His Highness Aga Khan IV, whose "enduring devotion to improving the quality of life and his close partnership with Kenya since independence left an immeasurable legacy." He expressed confidence that under Prince Rahim’s stewardship, the Imamat would continue this noble mission and forge new frontiers of cooperation.
The impact of the AKDN in Kenya is significant and far-reaching. In healthcare, their facilities receive over 900,000 patient visits annually and are instrumental in providing critical maternal and child health services. The network's partnership with the Social Health Authority (SHA) is also expanding access to advanced care, including kidney transplants and cardiac surgeries, ensuring that vulnerable Kenyans receive comprehensive care without facing financial ruin.
In education, the Aga Khan Foundation has supported nearly 1,000 public schools, benefiting hundreds of thousands of pupils and teachers. The network's environmental work is also commendable, with 1.5 million trees planted in Kenya over the last three years, much of it in the Mau Forest, contributing to the nation's conservation efforts.
