[PHOTOS] Ruto confers EGH on Zahra Aga Khan

President William Ruto has awarded Her Highness Princess Zahra Aga Khan the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (EGH) in recognition of her outstanding leadership in uplifting communities in Kenya and beyond.

The ceremony was held at State House Nairobi on Friday, where President Ruto praised Zahra for her longstanding commitment to advancing health, education and social development through the Aga Khan Development Network.

“I commend you, Your Highness, for your tireless commitment to improving lives through the Aga Khan Development Network,” President Ruto said during the ceremony.

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He said as a member of the network’s board of directors, Zahra carries significant policy and management responsibilities across health, education, planning and building services institutions.

He credited her with advancing impactful social and economic development programmes across diverse regions.

In her acceptance remarks, Princess Zahra paid tribute to the Ismaili community’s longstanding contribution to Kenya’s growth.

She observed that members of the community have been part of the country for more than a century, contributing through family life, education, professional work and civic engagement.

“The Ismaili community has been part of this country for over 100 years, contributing to society through family life, education, work, and civic engagement,” she said.

She said the Aga Khan Development Network has played a role in Kenya’s advancement by expanding access to quality healthcare, education, tourism and economic development initiatives.

Among those present at the ceremony were First Lady Rachel Ruto and Vice Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces Lieutenant-General John Omenda, among other distinguished guests.

Rachel praised Princess Zahra’s work, particularly its impact on families, women and girls.

She said initiatives under her office align closely with the transformative programmes spearheaded by the Aga Khan Development Network.

Rachel also highlighted her Voice of Children Initiative, which supports vulnerable children through access to education, nutrition and safe spaces.

Zahra is the eldest daughter of the late Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, who served as the hereditary leader of the Ismaili Muslims for nearly 70 years until his death in February 2025.

She is also the sister of Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, who succeeded their father.

In August last year, President Ruto conferred upon Prince Rahim the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya (CGH), the country’s highest national civilian honour, also at State House Nairobi.

Beyond her board role, Zahra holds senior leadership positions within the Aga Khan institutions, including serving as Pro-Chancellor of Aga Khan University.

During the ceremony, President Ruto welcomed continued partnership between the government and the Aga Khan Group in delivering key social projects such as the Affordable Housing Programme and the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration initiative.

“Your Highness, the people of Kenya hold you and the Imamat in profound respect. Today, we honour you not only for your leadership, but also for your friendship and partnership,” President Ruto said.