His Highness Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V / FILEPresident William Ruto has awarded His Highness Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya.
The President awarded him the first class Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.).
In a gazette notice dated February 28, the President also awarded second class Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) to Princess Zahra Aga.
The President said the award is in honour of the outstanding services rendered by the two to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities.
“I, William Samoei Ruto, President of the Republic of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces, confer Awards and Honours to the following persons: The Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (a) The First Class: Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.) His Highness Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V (b) The Second Class: Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) Princess Zahra Aga Khan,” the notice read in part.
The Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya is the highest honour in Kenya while The Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) is the second highest honour.
The Aga Khan family has played a pivotal role in Kenya’s development in sectors such as health, education, and infrastructure.
The award comes months after the passing of his father, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV.
He died after nearly seven decades as the spiritual leader of the global Ismaili Muslim community.
Aga Khan V officially assumed office in February, when he received global leaders of the Shia Ismaili Muslim community at his accession ceremony, at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, Portugal.
In his inaugural address, the Aga Khan pledged to dedicate his life to caring for the spiritual and material well-being of the Ismaili Jamat.
He spoke of the principles of the Ismaili Muslim faith, the importance of keeping a balance between worldly and spiritual matters and the regular practice of the faith.
The Aga Khan is associated with The Aga Khan Hospital, the Aga Khan schools and several media houses in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
