His Highness the Aga Khan lands in Nairobi for 3-day official visit
His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V arrived in Nairobi on August 25, 2025, to begin a three-day official visit. He was received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V arrived in Nairobi yesterday afternoon to start a three-day official visit at the invitation of President William Ruto.
He was received by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, who is also the Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, and Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale.
Mr Amin Mawji, Diplomatic Representative to Kenya for the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and President of the Ismaili Council for Kenya Mrs Shamira Dostmohamed, were also present.
A delegation of leaders from the Ismaili community welcomed the Aga Khan V on behalf of the communities from Botswana, Burundi, Eswatini, Kenya, Namibia, Rwanda and South Africa.
During his visit, the Aga Khan will meet with President Ruto and senior State officials. They are expected to sign agreements that reaffirm the deep and long-standing relationship between the Ismaili Imamat and the Government of Kenya.
Mr Mudavadi said in a statement that the visit is historic.
“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,” stated the CS.
The Ismaili Imamat is a hereditary office in succession from the first Imam, Hazrat Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad.
Throughout their history, the Ismailis have been led by a living hereditary Imam in continuing succession from Ismail to His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan, who is the 50th Imam.
Upon landing, the Aga Khan held a brief meeting with Mr Mudavadi at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
“Our discussions focused on deepening and expanding areas of cooperation between Kenya and the AKDN, an institution whose impact touches millions of lives across our country through investments in education, healthcare, media, economic empowerment, and environmental stewardship,” Mr Mudavadi’s statement read in part.
The AKDN operates across more than 30 countries with a mission to improve the quality of life— regardless of faith or background— through investments in education, health, culture, the environment, and economic development.
In Kenya, its century-long presence continues to empower communities, strengthen systems, and foster sustainable development. The network employs more than 14,000 people in the country.
“The visit reaffirms the long-standing bonds between Kenya and the Aga Khan family, and opens a new chapter of collaboration for the prosperity of our people,” noted Mr Mudavadi.
The Aga Khan’s arrival was marked with pomp and colour, with delegations in and outside the airport eager to take a glance at him.
“I am feeling great to be here. We are about to see our current Imam, and we are very blessed,” said Mr Gibran Karmali, an Ismaili Muslim, outside JKIA’s State pavilion.
“It’s the first time we are seeing him and I know it’s going to be a beautiful day,” he added.
“We haven’t slept in like 48 hours,” said Mr Naim Bardai. “We are very excited.”
