Ruto Set to Hold High-Level Talks With Influential Global Leader

President William Ruto is set to hold talks with His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V as he makes his first official visit to the country since his installation as the Head of the Ismaili community.
Prince Rahim jetted into the country on Monday, August 25, for a three-day official visit at Ruto’s invitation.
The agenda of the visit is focused on strengthening current and future areas of cooperation between Kenya and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN).
Prince Rahim, the 50th hereditary spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, was received by Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi.
This marked his first formal sojourn to Kenya since succeeding his late father, His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV,who passed away at the age of 88 in February 2025.
“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 succeeding his late father, His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan IV, who passed away in February 2025 at the age of 88,” stated Mudavadi.
“At the invitation of President William Ruto, His Highness has embarked on this maiden visit since assuming his role as the 50th hereditary spiritual leader of the Shia Ismaili Muslims,” he added.
The AKDN has had a profound impact on the country, positively affecting millions of Kenyans in various areas, including healthcare, education, media, economic empowerment and environmental stewardship.
Prince Rahim’s visit comes months after Rutoconferred upon him the prestigious Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya,the country’s highest civilian honour.
According to a gazette notice dated March 7, Ruto conferred Prince Rahim Aga Khan V with the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.). He also conferred Princess Zahra Aga Khan, daughter of the late Aga Khan IV, with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.).
Ruto honoured the two for their distinguished service in various sectors, particularly through the AKDN.
Prince Rahim, born in Geneva in 1971, is the eldest son of the late Aga Khan IV. After completing his studies at Brown University and IESE Business School, he took on leadership roles within the AKDN, focusing particularly on environmental and climate-related initiatives.
Princess Zahra, the eldest daughter of the Aga Khan IV, has also made her mark in the development world. After graduating from Harvard University, she dedicated herself to the AKDN, where she holds key positions across its many agencies, including the Aga Khan Foundation and the Aga Khan University.