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Nairobi, Kenya, 16 February 2024 – Princess Zahra Aga Khan met today with the First Lady of Kenya, Her Excellency Rachel Ruto, at the Serena Hotel Nairobi, and later called on the President of the Republic, His Excellency William Samoei Ruto, at State House in Nairobi.

The meetings provided an opportunity to discuss the decades-long development partnership between the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) and the Government of Kenya to improve the quality of life of all Kenyans, and areas of future cooperation.

Kenya and AKDN agencies have closely collaborated in the fields of industry, tourism, financial services, clean energy, media, health, education, community development and infrastructure. President Ruto recognised AKDN’s significant contributions to Kenya’s development and offered his Government’s support to strengthen the collaboration.

Princess Zahra, the eldest child of His Highness the Aga Khan, is on a six-day visit to Kenya to attend the global convocation ceremony of the Aga Khan University (AKU), and to visit a number of AKDN projects. The current longest-serving member of AKU’s Board of Trustees, she will speak at the ceremony on behalf of AKU’s Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan, and its Board. More than 730 students across four countries will graduate this year.

The ceremony in Nairobi will be attended by Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Education, Honourable Ezekiel Machogu, representing President Ruto. Princess Zahra will also attend the 20th anniversary commemoration of the Aga Khan Academy in Mombasa, and will visit a number of health and education institutions across the country.