His Highness Prince Rahim Aga Khan V, the 50th Hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims, arrived at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Monday for his first official visit to Kenya since assuming the Imamat earlier this year.

The three-day visit, running through Wednesday, August 27, comes at the invitation of President William Ruto and aims to strengthen the longstanding partnership between the Ismaili Imamat and the Kenyan government.

During his stay, Prince Rahim is expected to engage with Kenyan leaders and visit Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) institutions across the country.

These engagements will provide an opportunity to review ongoing development projects and explore avenues for further collaboration in areas such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

The visit also marks a significant moment for Kenya’s Ismaili community, which has been present in the country for over 125 years. Followers eagerly anticipate the traditional “Didar”, a ceremonial gathering where the Imam meets with his community. Preparations for the visit have included the installation of billboards and other arrangements in major cities to welcome the Imam.

Officials say the engagement will help reinforce ongoing AKDN programs and potentially expand partnerships that contribute to the country’s growth and sustainability.