Kenya, Ismaili Imamat Deepen Cooperation
Ruto also noted new areas of cooperation. These include the Affordable Housing project and the Nairobi River regeneration project
Ruto clarified that the new agreement demonstrates Kenya's appreciation for the Ismaili Imamat and its heritage. Photo/ Citizen Digital
By Juliet Jerotich
Kenya and the Ismaili Imamat have entered into a new accord to deepen cooperation in health, education, and climate action. The agreement was signed in Nairobi after President William Ruto’s welcome of His Highness Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V at State House.
It was Prince Rahim’s first formal visit to Kenya after assuming office as the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.
President Ruto welcomed the agreement, describing it as a milestone in Kenya’s long history of interaction with the Ismaili people. He further explained that the memorandum would increase cooperation in health, education, cultural heritage, and conservation. Ruto said the partnership aligns with his government agenda and offers a chance to consolidate long-term development goals.
During the ceremony, President Ruto awarded Prince Rahim the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart, Kenya’s highest civilian honor. Princess Zahra Aga Khan was similarly awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart for leadership in social development.
The President mentioned the trace of the Aga Khan Development Network in Kenya. He mentioned that its hospitals and medical facilities treat close to 900,000 patients a year. He also mentioned that nearly 1,000 schools receive AKDN’s educational services, and its conservation has planted 1.5 million trees in the past three years.
AKDN works in Africa and Asia through institutions such as Aga Khan Academies, Aga Khan Foundation, Aga Khan Health Services, and Aga Khan University. Its objective is to improve quality of life regardless of religion or origin.
Ruto also noted new areas of cooperation. These include the Affordable Housing project and the Nairobi River regeneration project. He was optimistic that Prince Rahim would build on what his father, the late Aga Khan IV, had done to assist the development of Kenya post-independence.
President Uhuru also mourned the late Aga Khan IV, who passed on in February in Lisbon, Portugal, at 88 years old. He was widely regarded as the 49th hereditary imam of the Ismaili Shia Muslims and was famous for his philanthropy. Outside AKDN, he founded the Nation Media Group, which is one of the leading media houses in East Africa. He was laid to rest on February 9 in Aswan, Egypt.
Ruto clarified that the new agreement demonstrates Kenya’s appreciation for the Ismaili Imamat and its heritage. He also clarified that the association will help to open new frontiers that empower communities and ensure the future of the country.
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