His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V arrived in Kenya on Monday. He is on his first official State visit. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale welcomed him at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. President William Ruto invited him for the three-day visit.
This is Prince Rahim’s first visit since he became the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims in February. He took over after the death of his father, Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who died at 88.
Mudavadi said the visit will strengthen cooperation between Kenya and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN). He praised AKDN for its wide contribution in education, healthcare, economic growth, and environmental conservation.
The AKDN is among Kenya’s largest private employers. It has over 14,000 Kenyan staff. Its institutions include the Aga Khan schools, the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa, the Aga Khan University Hospital, Jubilee Insurance, Diamond Trust Bank, Serena Hotels, and the Aga Khan Foundation. These institutions serve millions of Kenyans every year.
The network is also active in climate resilience. It has planted more than 12 million trees across the country. It is restoring marine ecosystems through the Indian Ocean Coastal Regeneration Initiative. The project also improves farmland and supports coastal communities.
Prince Rahim chairs the AKDN. He is Chancellor of the Aga Khan University and the University of Central Asia. He also leads the Global Centre for Pluralism and the Institute of Ismaili Studies.
His visit marks a new phase in Kenya’s partnership with Aga Khan institutions. The focus remains on education, health, development, and sustainability.
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