Aga Khan V receives highest civilian honour, signs pacts

At the event attended by a host of top government officials and senior figures from the Shia Ismaili Muslim community, the Aga Khan’s sister, Princess Zahra, was honoured with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) award.

“This moment is both historic and symbolic. It affirms Kenya’s deep appreciation of the enduring legacy of the Ismaili Imamat, whose service to humanity has long been a pillar of our national journey,” Dr Ruto said.

“For decades, the Aga Khan Development Network has been a trusted ally in Kenya’s development: Establishing hospitals and schools that save lives and nurture talent; investing in hospitality, media, and insurance to spur growth and create jobs; and advancing cultural and environmental initiatives that safeguard our heritage and strengthen communities”.

Prince Rahim, the president said, has been actively involved for over 30 years in development work in Kenya through his leadership roles at AKDN, the Aga Khan Foundation and the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED).

“He has also taken a global leadership role in environmental and climate change stewardship. As a pioneering development agency, AKDN’s work has been transformational for Kenya. This has encompassed a significant focus on social development covering health care, education, poverty alleviation, and climate resilience.”

The Head of State said Princess Zahra’s award was “an honour that reflects her outstanding leadership and lifelong dedication to advancing health, education, and social development here in Kenya and around the world.”

In his acceptance speech, the Aga Khan V said he was profoundly honoured.

“I am most deeply grateful to you, President Ruto, for this award — and for your warm welcome. This recognition carries added significance for me because my late father was also named a Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart by President Kibaki during his Golden Jubilee,” he said.

“I therefore accept this great honour with deep humility and gratitude. It is a privilege to be here today among the leaders of a nation with which the Ismaili Imamat shares a long friendship, profound respect and deepening partnership.”

Special place

The Aga Khan noted that Kenya has had a special place in his family.

“Some of the earliest Aga Khan Development projects from the time of my great grandfather were launched in this country; and many of these are still operating today. His Highness Aga Khan IV, my late father, spent his early childhood in Nairobi. And like my uncle Prince Amyn, who also spent his childhood here, my father always cherished memories of this beautiful country and its wonderful people. My two sons and I greatly enjoyed our visits here, and we look forward to many more in the years ahead,” he said.

“For over a century, members of the Ismaili community have called this country home. They have contributed to Kenya’s progress and drawn inspiration from its spirit of unity and diversity,” he added.

At the event, two memoranda of understanding were signed, witnessed by the Aga Khan V and Dr Ruto. They include a pact between the Government of Kenya and the Ismailia Imamat.

It provides the framework for recognition of the Ismaili Imamat as the legal entity representing the Office of the Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, established in accordance with the applicable law of hereditary succession of the Shia Ismaili Imams.

The office will have the capacity in international relations to engage with the Government of Kenya.

The second was agreement between the Kenyan government and the Ismailia Imamat on general cooperation.

“[Its] framework provides for bilateral cooperation in environmental conservation, urban rehabilitation and cultural preservation. Flagship initiatives expected to benefit under the cooperation include the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Project, National Museums development and City Park rehabilitation,” read a statement from State House.

Commenting on the memoranda signed, the Aga Khan V noted that they are a product of a rich legacy of engagement.

“They reflect the depth of the relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and the Republic of Kenya. And they signal a shared ambition to make that relationship even more impactful. Our goal is to work alongside the government as you tackle the emerging challenges of climate change, urban regeneration, and delivery of public services. Our approach will be to ensure that our programmes are meaningfully aligned with Kenya’s national priorities and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda,” he said.

Dr Ruto noted that the memorandum for working with the Ismaili Imamat is “a major milestone in our relations”.

“It lays the groundwork for even deeper collaboration in healthcare, education, environmental conservation, climate action, and cultural preservation,” he said.

“Already, the impact of the AKDN in Kenya is both vast and transformative. Its health facilities receive over 900,000 patient visits every year, providing quality care to families across the nation.”

The president also noted a recent agreement between the Social Health Authority (SHA) and the Aga Khan University Hospital on kidney ailment treatment.

“Under this framework, SHA provides financial and welfare support to eligible patients, while the university hospital delivers specialised medical care. This ensures that vulnerable Kenyans receive not only surgery, but also pre-operative assessment and post-operative care, while being shielded from catastrophic health expenses,” he said.

Dr Ruto said the AKDN has been an ally in Kenya’s development for decades by “establishing hospitals and schools that save lives and nurture talent”.

Addressing the Aga Khan, he added: “Your Highness, we recall with immense gratitude the remarkable contributions of your late father, His Highness Aga Khan IV. His enduring devotion to improving quality of life and his close partnership with Kenya since independence left an immeasurable legacy. We are confident that under your stewardship, the Imamat will not only continue this noble mission, but also open new frontiers of cooperation between us.”

→ [email protected]