Aga Khan Receives Kenya's Highest Medal of Honour

Aga Khan Receives Kenya's Highest Medal of Honour

Nairobi, Kenya, August 14, 2007 – His Highness the Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims was awarded Kenya’s highest medal of honour, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, (C.G.H.) by the President of the country, His Excellency President Mwai Kibaki.

Bestowing the award during a state banquet held in honour of the Aga Khan yesterday, the President noted that the Aga Khan had recorded an impressive and enduring legacy of service to the Ismaili community, Kenya and the world at large. “The achievements you have accomplished are an eloquent testimony of your dedication to your spiritual calling as well as selfless commitment to the well-being of mankind, irrespective of race or religion” said the President.

President Kibaki praised the Ismaili community’s contribution to Kenya’s development. “The energy and resources that the community has continued to deploy in various fields of development, including health, education, business and investments have immensely benefited our people and country,” he said. “We value your contribution and look forward to even stronger bonds in the years ahead.”

East Africa in general and Kenya in particular have been the traditional home to many members of the Ismaili community, which has played a significant role in the region’s development for more than a century.

The Kenyan President also applauded the work of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in the health and education sectors, which impact positively on the lives of many Kenyans. He spoke hours after the Aga Khan announced the launch of East Africa’s first private medical school – the Faculty of Health Sciences that is part of the Aga Khan University.

The Aga Khan thanked the President, “Let me say first what a wonderful honour it is – to become a Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya, and to do so on one’s Golden Jubilee!” He reflected upon his early childhood days in Kenya and spoke about his hope for the future of the country and renewed optimism of the Kenyan people.

“Kenya has one of the highest per capita literacy rates in Africa and is determined to make democracy work. It has created an enabling environment for vibrant enterprise in fields such as agriculture and horticulture, tourism and finance. In fact, at a recent World Economic Forum, Kenya was ranked among the top three countries in Africa in welcoming investment and innovation,” he said.

Speaking about the work of the AKDN in Kenya, the Aga Khan noted that these projects “ .. reflect our respect and affection for the Kenyan people - and for the sense of promise which I recall from my childhood in Kenya, and which I continue to feel on every return visit”.

The Aga Khan is in East Africa for his first official tour of his Golden Jubilee. He leaves on Thursday for Tanzania and will be in Uganda later in the week.