Africa-Press – Kenya. His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V has concluded a landmark a two-day official visit to Kenya.
The visit marked his first trip to East Africa since his accession as the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims in February 2025.
Prince Rahim departed the country on August 27, following a series of high-level engagements at the invitation of President William Ruto.
He was seen off at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Health Cabinet Secretary Adan Duale, who was accompanied by prominent dignitaries, including Amin Mawji, the Diplomatic Representative for the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Kenya, and Dr. Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President and Vice Chancellor of the Aga Khan University (AKU).
“This visit reaffirms the historic and enduring partnership between Kenya and the Ismaili Imamat,” said Duale. “The President emphasized the deep impact the Aga Khan Development Network has had in this country under the vision of Prince Rahim’s father.”
During his visit, His Highness met with President Ruto at State House, where they discussed longstanding cooperation between the Ismaili Imamat and the Kenyan government, along with shared priorities for the future.
The talks culminated in the signing of an agreement reaffirming the partnership, as well as a Memorandum of Understanding on General Cooperation.
The agreements aim to deepen collaboration in critical areas such as environmental conservation, climate resilience, urban rehabilitation, and cultural heritage — all aligned with Kenya’s development agenda to drive grassroots economic activity, create employment, and improve livelihoods.
In recognition of his leadership and contributions to Kenya’s progress through AKDN institutions, Ruto conferred upon Prince Rahim the country’s highest civilian honour, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.).
The award, which was initially announced in March, honours individuals for “distinguished and outstanding services to the nation.”
The visit also underscored the over 100-year legacy of the Ismaili Imamat in Kenya, with the AKDN continuing to play a key role in the country’s development through investments in health, education, finance, insurance, infrastructure, and culture.
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