Kenya has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ismaili Imamat to enhance relations and strengthen collaboration in environmental conservation, climate action, healthcare, education, and culture.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday, August 26, at the State House, Nairobi, during the first official visit to Kenya by His Highness Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V.

President William Ruto hailed the MoU as a milestone in the long-standing partnership between Kenya and the Ismaili Imamat.

“The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on General Cooperation between the Government of Kenya and the Ismaili Imamat was a major milestone in our relations. It laid the groundwork for even deeper collaboration in healthcare, education, environmental conservation, climate action, and cultural preservation,” said Ruto.

He praised the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) for its devotion to healthcare, education, media, and job creation, noting its environmental efforts that have seen 1.5 million trees planted in Kenya and over 100 million across Africa and Asia.

Ruto urged the Imamat to partner with Kenya in the Nairobi River Regeneration through the Climate WorkX programme.

“With the Aga Khan Development Network’s proven expertise in conservation, cultural heritage, and community-driven development, I am confident we can expand the scale and impact of these initiatives so that climate action delivers both ecological restoration and human dignity,” he urged.

Prince Rahim welcomed the partnership, describing the MoU as a signal of shared ambition and lasting relations. 

“Our goal is to work alongside the Government as you tackle the emerging challenges of climate change, urban regeneration, and delivery of public services,” Prince Rahim said.

He pledged to mobilise international partners to support Kenya, highlighting opportunities for collaboration in coastal regeneration and climate research.

“Kenya has shown commendable leadership in confronting climate challenges. I am committed to ensuring that our institutions support your efforts to create new knowledge and new solutions for environmental stewardship,” the prince added.

“We see promising opportunities for collaboration in areas such as coastal regeneration and climate research, where our institutions are prepared to dedicate increased resources in pursuit of our shared goals”.

Ruto also highlighted AKDN’s long-standing contributions to Kenya, including three major hospitals, more than 70 health centres, and support for nearly 1,000 public schools. 

He cited the partnership between the Social Health Authority and Aga Khan University Hospital to expand access to kidney transplants and advanced cardiac surgeries.

The president further urged His Highness to consider a partnership in the Affordable Housing Programme, which aims at creating job opportunities.

During the event, the prince was awarded the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), Kenya’s highest civilian honour, in recognition of his commitment to the Aga Khan Development Network’s (AKDN) commitment to distinguished service to the people of Kenya.

“I am most deeply grateful to you, President Ruto, for this award – and for his warm welcome. This recognition carries added significance for me because my late father was also named a Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart by President Kibaki during his Golden Jubilee,” Prince Kharim said.

Princess Zahra Aga Khan was also awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) for her outstanding leadership and lifelong dedication to advancing health, education, and social development in Kenya and globally.