In a prestigious ceremony at the State House in Nairobi, President William Ruto conferred Kenya’s highest national honor, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH), upon Dr Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
This distinguished award recognizes Adesina’s exceptional contributions to Kenya and the continent, solidifying his impactful leadership in Africa’s economic development.
While speaking at the event, Adesina expressed his gratitude, stating, “Your Excellency President Ruto, I am most grateful to you for conferring me today with the prestigious honor of the Chief of Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H), Kenya’s highest and most distinguished honor.”
He acknowledged the special place Kenya holds in the history of the African Development Bank, highlighting the Bank’s first project in Kenya in 1967, which laid the foundation for transport infrastructure connecting the Great Lakes and Indian Ocean regions.
President Ruto praised Adesina’s commitment and distinguished service, saying, “I am very proud to be the President that confers on you this well-deserved honor of the people of Kenya.”
Adesina becomes the 20th recipient of this prestigious award, joining notable figures such as Jomo Kenyatta, Nelson Mandela, and Queen Elizabeth II.
As President of the African Development Bank, Adesina has overseen significant investments in Kenya, with 57 projects totaling $4.44 billion in financing commitments over the past decade.
This represents 57% of the Bank’s total investments in Kenya over the past 60 years.
