Ruto Awards Princess Zahra Aga Khan with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart

President William Ruto has awarded Princess Zahra Aga Khan, daughter of the late Aga Khan IV, with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH), the second-highest civilian honour in Kenya.

Speaking at the Statehouse, Nairobi, on Friday, February 13, 2026, during the investiture ceremony, President Ruto said the honor recognizes Princess Zahra’s outstanding leadership and sustained commitment to advancing health, education, and social development, pillars central to human dignity and shared progress.

“Your Highness, on behalf of the government and the people of Kenya, I extend my warmest congratulations to you on being conferred with the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart,” said President Ruto.

President Ruto highlighted the Princess’s role as a board member of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), praising its investments in schools, hospitals, and social programs that have saved lives and nurtured talent.

He also praised AKDN’s contributions to hospitality, media, insurance, and affordable housing, noting that these initiatives have created jobs and strengthened the economy.

Ruto Praises Aga Khan IV Relationship With Kenya

The President also talked about the lasting influence of the late Aga Khan IV, who worked closely with Kenya since its independence. He expressed hope that Aga Khan V will continue this important work.

“Today, we honour you not only for your leadership but also for your friendship and partnership. We do so with confidence that the bonds between us will grow even stronger, advancing our shared pursuit of dignity, justice, and prosperity for our nation and humanity,” President Ruto added.

On her part, Princess Zahra Aga Khan expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted her family’s longstanding connection to Kenya.

“As you know, my family has had a long history in Kenya. My uncle, who is here, and my late father spent many years here as children in Nairobi. During my late father’s life, he built many institutions in this country across different sectors,” she said.

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She accepted the award on behalf of the over 15,000 AKDN employees and numerous volunteers in Kenya and praised the Ismaili community, which has contributed to the country for over 100 years through education, work, family life, and civic engagement.

“The AKDN has contributed to Kenya’s advancement by expanding access to quality health care, education, tourism, and economic development. The network continues to strengthen partnerships with public institutions, and I hope we will continue to work together for many decades, if not centuries, to come,” Princess Zahra added.

About the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart Award

The Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (E.G.H.) is the second-highest national honour in Kenya.

Also Read: Ruto Honours the Late Raila Odinga with Kenya’s Highest Award

It is part of the country’s most prestigious order of national honours, the Order of the Golden Heart, which is awarded for extraordinary leadership and distinguished service to the nation.

The Order is divided into three levels: Chief (C.G.H.), the highest; Elder (E.G.H.), the second; and Moran (M.G.H.), the third.

The award features a golden five-pointed star surrounded by a wreath, suspended from a ribbon in Kenya’s national colours.

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Photo of Zara Aga Khan speaking at a past function. PHOTO/AKDN