Kenya lauds His Highness The Aga Khan

By George Okore.

The Kenyan government has paid glowing tributes to His Highness the Aga Khan for his concerns towards improving the quality of life, well being and dignity of the mankind.

The Speaker of the National Assembly Hon. Kenneth Otiato Marende said His Highness the Khan has immensely improved quality of life through massive investments in people, their cultures and environment . He was addressing guest at Serena Hotel, Nairobi during celebrations marking the 53rd anniversary of the day his Highness the Aga Khan became the Imam of the Shia Imami Ismaili Muslims.

The Speaker thanked several Ismaili institutions in Kenya for uplifting the standards of life through provision of healthcare, media and education services among others. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) Resident Representative Mr. Aziz M. Bhaloo thanked the Kenyan government for creating investor friendly environment. He reiterated AKDN commitment to continued social, cultural and economic development in East African region. “His Highness the Aga Khan has a vision for this region including healthy democracy, peace, mutual co-existence and strong civil society. AKDN will continue to regionalize its institutions the spirit of the East Africa Community Common Market”, he said.

Yesterday’s ceremony was attended by several dignitaries including Deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi, Tourism Minister Najib Balala, Nation Media Group CEO Mr. Linus Gitahi and TPS Serena counterpart Mr. Jan Mohammed and guests from University of Alberta . Led by Imam His Highness the Aga Khan are the most influential Muslims and have made social and economic developments in financial, education and healthcare services.

The teachings of His Highness the Aga Khan give Ismailis strong desire to follow ethics, responsibility and conscience, qualities that have inspired Ismaili institutions especially in Kenya. In East Africa, Ismailis manage several social development covering education scholarship, social welfare and development institutions including Aga Khan Schools, University, Hotels and Hospitals among others. The Daily Nation, set up by His Highness Aga Khan in March 1960, is among widely circulating newspapers in East and Central Africa.