Ruto-Prince Rahim Aga Khan Sign MoUs on Housing

President William Ruto on Monday hosted His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan at State House, Nairobi, where Kenya and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) signed several memoranda of understanding (MoUs) aimed at boosting social and economic development.

Among the agreements signed were pacts supporting Kenya’s hailed affordable housing programme and the regeneration of the Nairobi River, a flagship initiative to restore the river ecosystem and improve living conditions for surrounding communities. Ruto’s government has made this bold step to achieve its long-term goals in providing affordable and conducive shelter for every Kenyan.

Later, President Ruto paid tribute to the late Aga Khan IV, His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan, who died on February 4 in Lisbon, Portugal, at the age of 88. He hailed the Aga Khan’s six-decade-long legacy in Kenya, noting his contributions to health, education, and development since independence.

“The signing of these agreements affirms Kenya’s deep appreciation of the enduring legacy of the Ismaili Imamat,” Ruto said. “We look forward to opening new frontiers of cooperation that uplift lives and safeguard our future.”

He expressed confidence that Prince Rahim, who now leads the Ismaili Imamat, would continue to build on his father’s foundation of partnership with Kenya.

Over the years, AKDN has invested heavily in Kenya through institutions such as the Aga Khan University Hospital in Nairobi, which is a regional referral and teaching centre and the Aga Khan Academies that nurture future leaders. The Network also played a pivotal role in establishing Nation Media Group, one of East Africa’s largest independent media houses, and has supported numerous projects in rural development, education and health.

Prince Rahim visited President Ruto at State House today, where the two leaders witnessed the signing of the MoUs that cement Kenya’s cooperation with AKDN.