President William Ruto is set to host high-level discussions with His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, who arrived in Nairobi on Monday, August 25, for a three-day official visit. The trip, made at Ruto’s invitation, marks Prince Rahim’s first formal visit to Kenya since succeeding his late father, His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, as the 50th hereditary spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.
Prince Rahim was warmly received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who described the occasion as historic. “Kenya today welcomed a historic visit as I received His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, who is in the country for his first official engagement since assuming his role,” Mudavadi said.
The agenda of the visit is centered on deepening cooperation between Kenya and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which has long played a pivotal role in the country’s development. The AKDN has touched millions of Kenyans through investments in healthcare, education, media, economic empowerment, and environmental sustainability.
Prince Rahim’s trip follows a significant recognition earlier this year, when President Ruto conferred upon him the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (C.G.H.), the nation’s highest civilian honor. Princess Zahra Aga Khan, his sister, was also awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) for her dedicated service through AKDN initiatives.
Born in Geneva in 1971, Prince Rahim studied at Brown University and IESE Business School before assuming leadership roles within AKDN, where he has focused on environmental and climate-related programs. His sister, Princess Zahra, a Harvard graduate, continues to serve in key positions within the network, including the Aga Khan Foundation and Aga Khan University.
The visit underscores Kenya’s longstanding partnership with the Aga Khan family, whose legacy of philanthropy and development in East Africa spans decades. As President Ruto and Prince Rahim engage in dialogue, attention will be on how Kenya and AKDN can strengthen collaboration in addressing pressing challenges such as climate change, health, and youth empowerment.
