C.G.H club: Foreigners holding Kenya's highest civilian honour

The Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.) is Kenya's highest and most exclusive state honour.

It is an award so significant that its primary recipient is the President of Kenya, conferred upon them by right of office.

When this medal is bestowed upon a non-Kenyan, it signifies a relationship that goes far beyond standard diplomacy.

The honour is an acknowledgement that the recipient's actions have directly shaped the country's fortunes, placing them in a category typically reserved for Kenya's own statesmen.

Their contributions are deemed to have transcended routine diplomacy, making an impact on Kenya's development, economy, or global standing.

His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, was conferred the C.G.H. by President William Ruto on August 26, 2025.

The award, gazetted on February 28, 2025, recognised the distinguished service of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) to the Kenyan people.

The conferment affirmed the Imamat's enduring legacy and significant investments in Kenya's healthcare, education, media, and financial sectors.

The former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, received the C.G.H. on July 8, 2025.

President William Ruto bestowed the honour in recognition of his outstanding service to humanity and global diplomacy.

The award also acknowledged his strong professional and personal connection to Kenya.

Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), was awarded the C.G.H. on March 17, 2025.

He was honoured by President William Ruto for his leadership at the AfDB and its partnership with Kenya.

The citation highlighted his role in supporting the country's development, including financing major infrastructure such as the Lake Turkana Wind Power project.

On December 12, 2022, President William Ruto conferred the C.G.H. upon Syedna Mufaddal Saifuddin.

The 53rd Da'i al-Mutlaq (spiritual leader) of the Dawoodi Bohra community was recognised for his numerous philanthropic contributions, his leadership in fostering interfaith dialogue, and his role in promoting peace and harmony in Kenya and globally.

Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf was awarded the C.G.H. by President Uhuru Kenyatta on December 12, 2015.

The honour was bestowed during Kenya's 52nd Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.

It recognised her status as Africa's first elected female head of state and her leadership in Liberia's post-conflict reconstruction.

President Mwai Kibaki bestowed the C.G.H. upon His Highness Prince Karim Al Hussaini Aga Khan IV on August 13, 2007.

The 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims was honoured for his significant and enduring contributions to Kenya's national development through the many agencies of the Aga Khan Development Network.

In 2002, former Prime Minister of New Zealand and then-Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Mike Moore, received the C.G.H.

The award recognised his work in international trade and his efforts to foster closer ties with Kenya.

The conferment of the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart upon a non-Kenyan remains a rare occurrence.

The list of recipients ranges from neighbouring heads of state and global diplomats to spiritual leaders and development financiers.

While the specific reasons for each honour vary, the act itself is a consistent symbol.

It represents Kenya's formal recognition of an individual's exceptional and high-impact contribution to the nation's economic development, diplomatic alliances, or international standing.