Prepared and compiled by MALIK MERCHANT
(Page created: August 8, 2025, last updated: August 28, 2025, 12:44 AM EDT, Departure photos and Didar video)
Anchor Links: His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Kenya
Please visit this page frequently for updates on His Highness the Aga Khan’s first visit to Kenya as the 50th Imam of the Ismaili Muslims. For quick access to our updates posted on this page, please click on the following anchor links:
- August 27, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan departs Kenya after a joyous encounter with his Ismaili followers
- August 27, 2025: Ismaili Update 3 – highlights of His Highness the Aga Khan’s third day visit (Didar in Nairobi)
- August 27, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan brings joy to his Ismaili followers as he blesses them with a Didar in Nairobi
- August 26, 2025: Ismaili Update 2 — highlights of His Highness the Aga Khan’s second day visit (State House Visit)
- August 26, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan is Honoured by President Ruto at the State House
- August 26, 2025: Press Release – Visit to Kenya by His Highness the Aga Khan
- August 25, 2025: Ismaili Update 1 — highlights of His Highness the Aga Khan’s first day visit (Arrival)
- August 25, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan arrives in Kenya
- August 25 – 27, 2025: A selection of links to external media coverage
- August 25, 2025: (Pre-arrival report) His Highness the Aga Khan visits Kenya to deepen partnership
- August 8, 2025: Intezar Poem
- July 18: Announcement of His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit and preparations
- A Perennial Supplication (Ginanic verses)
August 27, 2025: (1) His Highness the Aga Khan departs Kenya
Posts on ‘X’ and Facebook by Aden Duale, Health Cabinet Secretary
Aden Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Health, has posted on ‘X’ as well as on his Facebook page that he was at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport as Mawlana Hazar Imam departed after his three-day visit at the invitation of President Ruto.
He writes on ‘X’: “Saw off His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after his three-day official visit to Kenya, undertaken at the invitation of H.E. President William Ruto.” See his ‘X’ and Facebook posts below.
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Post on Facebook by Aden Duale, Health Cabinet Secretary
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August 27, 2025: (2) His Highness the Aga Khan blesses his Ismaili followers with a Didar in Nairobi
The Nairobi Ismaili Darkhana Jamatkhana was the historic setting for a unique occasion on August 27, 2025. Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, granted a Didar (lit. a glimpse) to the Jamat of Kenya, Botswana, Burundi, Eswatini, Namibia, Rwanda, and South Africa. He personally connected with them for the first time since becoming the 50th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims on February 4, 2025.
Mawlana Hazar Imam conveyed guidance and blessings to the worldwide Ismaili community and expressed gratitude to the volunteers for their efforts in organizing the visit. He showered blessings on the Jamat and, in a touching moment, reminded the Jamat of his immense love and affection, making his spiritual children feel cherished and cared for. Hazar Imam also granted a separate mulaqat to young members of the Jamat, further strengthening the personal bond with the community’s youth.
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Mukhi Saheb (congregational leader) of Nairobi Darkhana submitted bayʿa (oath of allegiance) to the Imam on behalf of the Jamat, and Shamira Dostmohamed, President of the Ismaili Council for Kenya, delivered a welcome address. A significant moment unfolded as a gift was presented to Hazar Imam on behalf of the Jamat: a manuscript of the Qur’an from East Africa dating back to 1854 CE. This historical artifact, believed to be from Ethiopia, reflects the rich heritage of East African Muslim communities, their devotion, artistry, and openness to the world.
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In celebration of this very special occasion, the Jamat prepared an art installation entitled Bustan-e-Noor, or Garden of Light. The artwork is made up of flowers and leaves, each inspired by the national flowers and plants of the countries within the Kenya jurisdiction: Botswana’s Grapple Plant, Eswatini’s Edelweiss, Rwanda’s Robusta Coffee leaf, South Africa’s King protea, Namibia’s Welwitschia mirabilis, Burundi’s African protea, and Kenya’s Orchid. The fruits and leaves were inscribed with hundreds of handwritten messages by members of the Jamat and multi-faith families of all ages, expressing their commitment to caring for the environment and serving the Imam and his Jamat.
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THE ISMAILI UPDATE (PART 3): HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN GRANTS DIDAR TO HIS JAMAT
On Wednesday August 27, the last day of his visit to Kenya, Mawlana Hazar Imam graciously granted a Didar to the Kenya jurisdiction Jamat at the Nairobi Darkhana. Watch the following special edition of The Ismaili Update 3 to learn more about the gift presented to Hazar Imam and see all the highlights from this joyous day.
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August 26, 2025: (1) His Highness the Aga Khan is honoured at the State HOUSE with Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart. Signs aGREEMENTS with Kenya
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, was received at State House in Nairobi on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, where President Ruto formally conferred upon him Kenya’s highest civilian honour, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH). This rare Award, typically reserved for Heads of State and exceptional global leaders, recognizes distinguished and outstanding services to the nation. Officially granted on February 28, 2025, the Award was first mentioned in the official Presidential notice in The Kenya Gazette dated March 7, 2025. Mawlana Hazar Imam’s sister, Princess Zahra, received the Elder of the Order of the Golden Heart (EGH) for her outstanding service to Kenya.
In response to the honour, Hazar Imam said, “I accept this decoration as a recognition of the past, but also as a pledge for the future. A pledge to continue walking side by side with the people of Kenya in the pursuit of a more inclusive, equitable and hopeful tomorrow.”
Mawlana Hazar Imam also noted in his address that his father, Mawlana Shah Karim, His Late Highness Aga Khan IV, had been conferred with the same Honour by President Kibaki during his Golden Jubilee visit to Kenya in 2007 (see inset photo, top left, in the collage below).
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Two agreements were signed at the State House: an agreement to reaffirm the deep-rooted partnership between the Ismaili Imamat and the Government of Kenya; and a Memorandum of Understanding to deepen cooperation on issues such as environmental conservation, climate change, urban rehabilitation and cultural heritage.
“This moment is both historic and symbolic,” said President Ruto. “It affirms Kenya’s deep appreciation of the enduring legacy of the Ismaili Imamat, whose service to humanity has long been a pillar of our national journey.”
“For decades, the Aga Khan Development Network has been a trusted ally in Kenya’s development: establishing hospitals and schools that save lives and nurture talent; investing in hospitality, media and insurance to spur growth and create jobs; and advancing cultural and environmental initiatives that safeguard our heritage and strengthen communities.”
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Mawlana Hazar Imam spoke of Kenya’s special importance to his family and committed the Ismaili Imamat’s continuing support for the country’s progress.
“Our goal is to work alongside the Government as you tackle the emerging challenges of climate change, urban regeneration and delivery of public services,” he said. “As in the past, we will continue to mobilise not only our own institutional capacity and resources, but also those of our international partners and investors, for Kenya’s benefit.”
For over 100 years, the Ismaili Imamat and AKDN have been trusted partners in Kenya’s progress. Together, they have strengthened institutions, transformed lives, and contributed to the country’s social and economic development across generations. Today, AKDN agencies reach 27 million people across all parts of Kenya.
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Posts on ‘X’ by President Willam Ruto
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Read the full speech of President William Ruto HERE (PDF)
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DAILY NATION / NTV Coverage: President William Ruto meets His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan
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THE ISMAILI UPDATE (PART 2): HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN WAS BESTOWED WITH THE CHIEF OF THE ORDER OF THE GOLDEN HEART
On Tuesday, August 26, the second day of His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Kenya, agreements were signed between the Ismaili Imamat and Kenya, and President William Ruto formally presented the 50th Ismaili Imam with the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart. Watch the following video, posted by the Ismaili on YouTube, for all the highlights!
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August 26, 2025: (2) Press Release
Visit to Kenya by His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan
During the occasion [State House visit], there will be the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Kenya and the Ismailia Imamat for provision of the framework for recognition of the Ismaili Imamat as the legal entity, representing the Office of the Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims 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 — from Press Release, August 26, 2025.
The following is the full text of a press release issued in PDF format on August 26, 2025, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Affairs (please read the statement at the source by clicking HERE)
“On 25th August 2025 High Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V made an official visit to Kenya at the invitation of H.E. Dr. William Ruto, C.G.H, President of the Republic of Kenya. This is the first official visit to Kenya by HH Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, since he assumed the position as the 50th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims on 4th February 2025, and also as the Chair of the Aga Khan Development Network.
“The purpose of the official visit is the investiture of the Kenya’s highest Presidential civil honour of Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H) on His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V by the H.E. the President of Kenya at the State House on 26th August 2025. There will also be bilateral discussions on deepening of cooperation between the Government of Kenya and the Ismaili Imamat. This will further strengthen the work of the Aga Khan Development Network which has numerous investments and charity institutions in Kenya ranging from education institutions to healthcare facilities, financial institutions, and hospitality sector.
“During the occasion, there will be the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Kenya and the Ismailia Imamat for provision of the framework for recognition of the Ismaili Imamat as the legal entity, representing the Office of the Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims 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.
“There will also the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Kenya and the Ismaili Imamat on General Cooperation which will provide the framework for bilateral cooperation in environmental conservation, urban rehabilitation and cultural heritage preservation.
“His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V is accompanied by his sister Princess Zahra Aga Khan, a member of the AKDN Board of Directors.”
END OF STATEMENT (Please read the press release statement at the source in PDF format HERE.)
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August 25, 2025: His Highness the Aga Khan officially welcomed to Kenya
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 Shis Ismaili Muslims. The Ismaili Imamat is a hereditary office in succession from the first Imam, Hazrat Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad — Musalia Mudavadi, quoted in the Daily Nation
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, on Monday, August 25, 2025, at the invitation of His Excellency William Ruto, President of Kenya. He was received at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport by Honourable Musalia Mudavadi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, and Honourable Aden Bare Duale, Cabinet Secretary for Health. Amin Mawji, AKDN Representative to Kenya, and Shamira Dostmohamed, President of His Highness the Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Kenya, were also present, along with a delegation of Ismaili leaders from Botswana, Burundi, Eswatini, Namibia, Rwanda, South Africa, and Kenya, representing the Jamats under the Kenya jurisdiction.
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The Jamat and well-wishers lined the streets in front of the Ismaili Darkhana Jamatkhana in Nairobi to await Hazar Imam’s motorcade, waving the Ismaili and Kenyan flags with happy faces. The Jamat’s role in the extensive preparations, alongside the dedicated volunteers, has been instrumental in ensuring a smooth and meaningful experience for all, with Ismailis from seven African countries awaiting the profound experience of the first Didar (lit. glimpse) with their beloved 50th Imam. During his visit, His Highness will meet with President William Ruto and senior officials of the Kenyan government.
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X Posts and Videos: Prince Rahim Aga Khan welcomed to Kenya
Honourable Musalia Mudavadi, the Prime Cabinet Secretary of Kenya and Cabinet Secretary in the Foreign Ministry and Diaspora Affairs of the Republic of Kenya, received Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, upon his arrival in Nairobi on Monday, August 25, to begin an official visit at the invitation of President William Ruto. Writing on X, the Minister said: “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. I was accompanied by the Cabinet Secretary for Health, Hon. @HonAdenDuale. ” Please see more below.
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THE ISMAILI UPDATE (PART 1): ARRIVAL OF HIS HIGHNESS THE AGA KHAN
The following video, posted by the Ismaili on YouTube, gives highlights of Mawlana Hazar Imam’s arrival in Nairobi on August 25, 2025, for a 3-day visit and the tremendous spirit of volunteerism in the Jamat to prepare for the historic visit.
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MEDIA COVERAGE
External links: Please click on the following link(s) for media reports of His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to Kenya:
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August 25, 2025: A deepening relationship with Kenya as His Highness the Aga Khan IS set to arrive in Kenya
In a brief dispatch, The Daily Nation has reported that Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, will make his first official state visit to Kenya from August 25-27, 2025, at the invitation of President William Ruto. Mawlana Hazar Imam had informed the Jamat about the visit in a Talika read out in Jamatkhanas worldwide on or around July 18. Barakah is committed to keeping its readers worldwide connected and involved in Mawlana Hazar Imam’s visit through regular updates. Please visit this page dedicated to his Kenya visit frequently.
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August 8, 2025: Intezar — a poem in anticipation of the Didar of Mawlana Shah Rahim Al HussainI Hazar Imam
Later in August, the Jamat in Kenya and countries under its jurisdiction, namely South Africa, Rwanda, Burundi, Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini (formerly known as Swaziland), will come together in unity for the profound experience of the Didar of Mawlana Hazar Imam, Shah Rahim Al Hussaini, His Highness the Aga Khan. Nairobi’s Shariffa Keshavjee has submitted the following poem in anticipation of his forthcoming visit to Kenya from August 25-27, 2025.
By SHARIFFA KESHAVJEE (KENYA)
An inner anticipation
Only Intezar can explain
A pulse, a momentum
Is building up in the heart
In our minds, our spirit
Is agog with a longing
What is the Intezar
A two way silence
The premises once plain
Now glittering in splendour
Our love exuding from every pore
Embedded in the very earth
And in the hearts of murids
This Intezar
A silent prayer
So many countries, towns
The old and babes in arms
Preparation is in motion
A movement a silent notion
A fertile spirit in Zikr all day
Meeting to enforce our love
This Intezar
A silent tribute
Our Murshid approaches
Steady footsteps unheard
Magnetic field felt unseen
Words subside tears well up
Salwats rise to the dome
To the sky to the universe
This Intezar
One universe
Then the world stands still
The very silence is pregnant
The ocean of grace opens up
A sacred space contains all
The murid and Murshid unite
In one universal symphony
The intezar
Now Didar manifest
No diamond can glitter thus
Blinding thoughts of dunya
Only the inner world of Din
In now manifest in the heart
Murids now in supplication
To receive gems of wisdom
The Intezar
Completes its circle
At last
In supplication of gratitude
Correction (August 25, 2025): In our original version of this anchor link, Intezar, dated August 8, we had mentioned that Mawlana Hazar Imam’s children, Prince Irfan and Prince Sinan, would accompany him on his visit to Kenya. However, we are currently unable to confirm whether the Princes will be with him on this visit, as was the case when he visited France from July 10-13,2025. We are committed to providing accurate information and regret this oversight on our part. We apologize to readers for the misleading information and assure you of our dedication to accuracy.
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July 18, 2025: Announcement of His Highness the Aga Khan’s visit to KenyA and preparations
Mawlana Hazar Imam, His Highness the Aga Khan, announced his visit to Kenya in a Talika read out in Jamatkhanas on or around Friday, July 18, 2025 (in Canada). Please see our special post on the announcement. The visit to Kenya will be his second with the Ismailis, following his first-ever meeting with his spiritual children, which took place in France, from July 10-13, 2025. His Highness shared his thoughts, expressing his satisfaction, saying, “I could not have had a first official trip better than this one.” This positive feedback from the Imam fills us with optimism for the upcoming visit to Kenya.
Following the announcement, the Ismaili Institutions in Kenya published the eligibility for individuals to attend the Didar in Kenya, noting that it is for residents of Kenya and the Jamats that fall under its jurisdiction, which are: Kenya, South Africa, Rwanda, Burundi, Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini. The institutions also offered special travel and accomodation rates to make everyone’s visit to Kenya smooth and enjoyable through its Hospitality & Logistics page.
The Ismaili Tariqah and Religious Education Board for Kenya (ITREB, Kenya), an institution which looks after the religious education of the community across all ages, informed members of the Jamat about the Local Auditions for recitation of Ginan, Qasida, Zikr, Tilawat-e-Quran and Translation of Tilawat-e-Quran for the Didar and Intezari Programme for Kenya Jurisdiction. The Intezari period leading up to the day of the Didar is a time when the entire Ismaili community comes together to learn and prepare for the Didar of their beloved Imam. It is an inspirational period and a time for each individual to reflect on their lives and commit to living an ethical life to gain the maximum benefit from the guidance and Didar of their Imam.
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Ginan: A perennial supplication to the Imam-of-the-Time and from all his spiritual children worldwide
Transliteration
Eji, Aash Karine Ya Ali hun tere dar ubhi,
Kar jodine em mangu Ya Shah;
Dejo didar tusi mahavar datar Shah,
Hama tere charane lagu.
Translation
With hope I stand at Thy door,
O Ali! And sincerely beg of Thee;
Bless me with Thy Holy Didar,
O Great Lord and Benefactor!
At Thy Feet I fall to prostrate
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O Exalted Islam Shah [Imam-of-the-Time]
Our Lord and Master of the Age,
To you our hearts devoutly supplicate,
O the Eternal King and Lord of our souls!
Grace us with your visit to the Indian Subcontinent
[The Imam’s base at the time was in Iran.]
O Ali! You are Eternal,
You are the Lord of Eternity.
You alone are the Knower of the End,
Of the End that has no End
(Verses from Venti Ginan and Anant Akhado composed by Pir Hasan Kabirdin)
Date posted: August 8, 2025.
Last updated: August 28, 2025.
Please also read: Didar of the Imam-of-the-Time: Life’s ultimate by Mawlana Mustansir bi’llah, 15th Century
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FEEDBACK AND Table of Contents
Before you leave, remember that Barakah’s editor, Malik, is here to assist yo u. If you have any questions or feedback, please scroll down to leave a comment or send an email to mmerchant@barakah.com. Also, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the diverse and extensive content on Barakah’s Home Page or Table of Contents, with over 350 pieces dedicated to Mawlana Hazar Imam, members of his family and the Ismaili Imamat. And don’t forget to visit our sister websites, Simerg and Simergphotos. You can stay updated by following Malik on @Facebook, @X and @LinkedIn.