Ruto decorates AfDB President Adesina with first-class State honour

President William Ruto when he conferred AfDB President Akinwunmi Adesina with the CGH award at State House, Nairobi on March 17, 2025/PCS

African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina has joined the list of the few individuals to hold the highest state honours in Kenya.

Akinwunmi, who was in the country for an official visit, was awarded the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH) by President William Ruto after a meeting at State House.

In a statement, Ruto stated that through his leadership, the Bank has not only accelerated universal electricity access, strengthened food security, and promoted infrastructure development, but also deepened regional integration.

He commended Adesina for his role in steering the institution, something he noted has seen Kenya unlock its potential.

“We celebrate AfDB’s bold and visionary leadership, particularly Dr Adesina, for facilitating Kenya-and Africa-to unlock its potential and improve people’s lives,” he said.

The awards are given in recognition of outstanding or distinguished services rendered to the nation in various capacities and responsibilities.

CGH is one of the three the highest-ranking awards in the country and awarded to sitting presidents and prominent religious or military leaders.

Some of the foreign leaders who have been decorated with his award are Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, former Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, and the late Aga Khan IV.

During the Jamhuri Day celebrations in December 2022, Ruto conferred the award to His Holiness Dr Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin for his religious and humanitarian work across the world.

Mufaddal is the spiritual leader, the 53rd Da'i al-Mutlaq of more than one million Dawoodi Bohras, a subgroup of the Tayyibi, Mustaali, Ismaili Shia branches of Islam.

Other prestigious awards under this category are Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH).

It is the second-class award and given to the sitting Deputy President, Speakers of the National Assembly and Senate, Cabinet Secretaries, the First and Second Ladies, Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) Chief of Staff and Head of Public Service.

Moran of the Order of the Golden Heart (MGH) is the third-class award given to the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly and the Majority Leader of Parliament among others.