Ruto and Aga Khan sign new deals to bolster relations
By Joel Masibo, August 26, 2025President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its long-standing partnership with the Ismaili Imamat, citing the collaboration’s transformative impact on key sectors of national development.
Speaking at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, during a meeting with His Highness Prince Rahim Al-Hussaini Aga Khan V, the Head of State lauded the Imamat’s contribution to healthcare, education, environmental conservation, and cultural preservation.
“We deeply value our close ties with the Ismaili Imamat, which have fostered strong collaboration in critical areas,” President Ruto said. “This partnership has delivered health facilities that serve over 900,000 patients annually, supported nearly 1,000 public schools, and facilitated the planting of 1.5 million trees in Kenya over the past three years.”
President Ruto also expressed optimism about broadening the partnership to align with the government’s development agenda. He highlighted opportunities in the Affordable Housing Programme, which seeks to provide safe and decent homes while creating thousands of jobs for Kenyans.
Signing of MOUs
During the occasion, the two leaders also signed the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Kenya and the Ismailia Imamat for the provision of the framework for the recognition of the Ismaili Imamat as the legal entity representing the Office of the Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims, which was established in accordance with the applicable customary law of hereditary succession of the Shia Ismaili Imams, with the capacity in international relations to engage with the Government of the Republic of Kenya.
The Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Kenya and the Ismaili Imamat on General Cooperation was also sealed at State House, Nairobi, which will provide the framework for bilateral cooperation in environmental conservation, urban rehabilitation, and cultural heritage preservation.
On that, President Ruto praised the Nairobi River Regeneration initiative under the Climate WorX programme, where over 40,000 Kenyans are already engaged in ecosystem restoration and renewal of the capital city.
During the ceremony, the President congratulated Prince Rahim on assuming the leadership of the Shia Ismaili Imamat and on receiving Kenya’s highest civilian honour, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.).
He also commended Princess Zahra Aga Khan, who was awarded the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) in recognition of her lifelong service in health, education, and social development.