President William Ruto has awarded African Development Bank (AfDB) President Akinwumi Adesina with Kenya’s highest civilian honour, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart award.
Speaking on Monday, March 17, 2025, at the conferment ceremony, Ruto praised Adesina for his long-standing support for Kenya’s growth initiatives, particularly in the agriculture sector.
“This morning, I am very proud to be the president that confers on you this well-deserved honour of the people of Kenya,” Ruto stated.
“It’s an honour that I have to award you for the distinguished service, the commitment that you have demonstrated, and the passion you have worked with to see to it that in every way, even before you became the President of the African Development Bank, you demonstrated your commitment to our country,” he added.
Ruto recalled how Adesina influenced his own career when he served as Minister for Agriculture, crediting the AfDB president for inspiring his passion for agriculture and farmer-centered policies.
“When I was minister for Agriculture, you inspired me a lot with your zeal and commitment to Farmers and for ordinary people. It is because of you that I developed a passion for Agriculture and as you have said correctly there was always something to think about how farmers can do more with less,” the head of state said.
Ruto highlighted the AfDB’s contributions to Kenya’s Last Mile connectivity program, which has expanded electricity access across the country.
“When you became the President of AfDB, I knew that we were in good hands and that we would do more. That is why we discussed with my former boss, President Uhuru Kenyatta, and asked for support for our Last Mile Connectivity program. The numbers and statistics speak for themselves,” Ruto stated.
Adesina expresses gratitude
In his acceptance speech, Adesina expressed his deep appreciation for the recognition, calling it a lifelong reminder of his bond with Kenya.
“As you can see, Mr President, my heart has always been in Kenya. I am therefore immensely honoured by you, President Ruto, for conferring on me today Kenya’s highest and most distinguished honour,” Adesina said.
The AfDB President dedicated the award to his colleagues at the bank, acknowledging their collective contributions to Kenya’s development projects.
“For the rest of my life, it will be a constant reminder that the country I love so much—Kenya—loves me back, appreciates and celebrates my leadership at the African Development Bank, and values and honours the incredible contributions of my staff, colleagues, and board of directors,” he stated.
“On behalf of my dear wife and your sister, Grace, the boards of directors of the African Development Bank, our board of governors, the management and staff and on my own behalf, I accept this honour with great humility,” Adesina concluded.
CGH award
The President of Kenya holds the position of Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart of Kenya.
The CGH award is conferred to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the nation’s development.
Some of the recipients of this award include Yoweri Museveni the President of Uganda and the late Prince Karim Al-Husseini Aga Khan (Aga Khan IV).
