NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has conferred the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH), Kenya’s highest civilian award, on His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V in recognition of the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) decades of service to the country.
The CGH, a distinction traditionally reserved for heads of state and exceptional global leaders, was presented to Prince Rahim on Tuesday during a ceremony at State House, Nairobi.
Accepting the award, Prince Rahim expressed gratitude and pledged to deepen the Imamat’s collaboration with Kenya.
“I accept this decoration for the recognition of the past but also as a pledge for the future, to continue working side by side with the people of Kenya in pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable, and hopeful tomorrow,” he said.
President Ruto hailed AKDN as a longstanding partner in Kenya’s social and economic transformation, citing its investments in health, education, environment, and cultural preservation.
“For decades, the Aga Khan Development Network has established hospitals and schools that save lives and nurture talent; invested in sectors that spur growth and create jobs; and advanced initiatives that safeguard our heritage and strengthen communities,” Ruto said.
The President noted that AKDN’s contributions align with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), particularly in equity and dignity for vulnerable communities.
He highlighted milestones such as:
- Healthcare: Over 900,000 annual patient visits at AKDN facilities, maternal and child health services, and advanced surgeries in partnership with the Social Health Authority.
- Education: Support to nearly 1,000 public schools, benefiting teachers and learners, with innovations like Schools2030.
- Environment: Planting 1.5 million trees in three years, much of it in the Mau Forest.
Looking ahead, Ruto welcomed AKDN’s role in flagship projects including the Affordable Housing Programme and the Nairobi River Regeneration under the Climate WorkX initiative.
He also paid tribute to the late Aga Khan IV, whose collaboration with Kenya since independence laid a foundation for the Imamat’s enduring role in national development.
“The people of Kenya hold you and the Imamat in the highest esteem. Today, we honour you not only as a leader, but also as a partner and friend,” Ruto said.
