Why His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is in Kenya

His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V on Monday August 26 arrived in Kenya for a three-day visit at the invitation of President William Ruto.

In a statement on Tuesday, August 26, the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said the purpose of Prince Rahim Aga Khan V’s visit to Kenya is to receive the country’s highest honor, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H).

“The purpose of the official visit is the investiture of Kenya’s highest Presidential civil honour of Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H) on His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V by the H.E. the President of Kenya at the State House on 26th August 2025,” read part of the statement.

The ministry also noted that President Ruto will hold bilateral discussions with Prince Rahim Aga Khan V on deepening cooperation between the Government of Kenya and the Ismaili Imamat.

According to the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs ministry, the discussion between the two leaders will strengthen the work of the Aga Khan Development Network, which has numerous investments and charity institutions in Kenya.

The Ministry further stated that following the bilateral discussions, a Memorandum of Understanding will be signed between the Government of Kenya and the Ismaili Imamat.

“During the occasion, there will be the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Kenya and the Ismailia Imamat for provision of the framework for recognition of the Ismaili Imamat as the legal entity, representing the Office of the Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims established in accordance with the applicable customary law of hereditary succession of the Shia Ismaili Imams,” the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Ministry added.

Further, the Kenyan government and the Ismaili Imamat will sign an MoU on general cooperation, which will provide the framework for bilateral cooperation in environmental conservation, urban rehabilitation, and cultural heritage preservation.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan V succeeded his father, the late Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, in February 2025 as the 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community following his death.

The accession ceremony, known as Takht Nashini, took place at the Diwan of the Ismaili Imamat in Lisbon, Portugal, and was attended by global leaders of the Ismaili community.

In accordance with long-standing tradition, King Charles III granted Prince Rahim the title 'His Highness' following his accession.

The Ismaili community, numbering approximately 12 to 15 million members worldwide, recognizes the Aga Khan as a direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.

The Aga Khan's role encompasses both spiritual leadership and the promotion of social development initiatives through the AKDN.