Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the spiritual leader of the global Ismaili Muslim community, passed away on February 06, 2025 at 88 years in Lisbon, Portugal. His death marks the end of an era for both his religious followers and the countless beneficiaries of his extensive business and philanthropic endeavors.
In response to his passing, Kenya’s President William Ruto joined the international community in mourning, highlighting the Aga Khan’s remarkable impact. He said,
“He was an extraordinary leader who went beyond what seemed impossible to help the vulnerable — through his charities in hospitals and schools. Our thoughts are with the family of His Highness and the wider Ismaili community.”
We are saddened by the passing of The Aga Khan, the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) February 5, 2025
He was an extraordinary leader who went beyond what seemed impossible to help the vulnerable — through his charities in hospitals and schools.
Our thoughts are with the family of His… pic.twitter.com/IZxydFJCKy
Also Read:
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and KPMG Job Vacancies
NCIC Summons “Arap Rutto” and “Mali Safi Chito” Hitmaker Over A Political Song
A Life of Leadership and Recognition
The Aga Khan’s journey as a spiritual leader began in 1957 when, at just 20 years old, he succeeded his grandfather, Sir Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan, as Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims. He is the 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. His dedication to service earned him the title of “His Highness” from Queen Elizabeth II.
His Highness Prince Karim Al-Hussaini, Aga Khan IV, 49th hereditary Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslims and direct descendant of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), passed away peacefully in Lisbon on 4 February 2025, aged 88, surrounded by his family. Prince Karim Aga Khan… pic.twitter.com/bxOyR0TyZr
— Aga Khan Development Network (@akdn) February 4, 2025
As noted by the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), his six-decade tenure was marked by numerous accolades, honorary degrees, and awards from institutions and nations worldwide, recognizing his exceptional contributions to human development and social progress.
Businesses Owned by Aga Khan in Kenya
Through the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), His Highness established several transformative enterprises in Kenya, each playing a crucial role in the country’s economic development. Here are the major business entities he owns:
Nation Media Group (Founded 1959)
This leading media conglomerate has grown into East Africa’s largest independent media house. It operates across multiple platforms, including:
– Print publications: Daily Nation, Sunday Nation, Taifa Leo
– Digital media platforms: KenyaBuzz, Nairobi News
– Broadcast networks: NTV, Nation FM
The company, listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE), has expanded its reach beyond Kenya to Uganda, Tanzania, and Rwanda, establishing itself as a cornerstone of East African journalism.
Serena Hotels (Established 1970)
The Serena Hotels chain represents the Aga Khan’s vision for sustainable tourism development. With 33 properties across 8 countries in Africa and Asia, this hospitality network has successfully:
– Promoted economic growth in developing regions
– Preserved cultural heritage
– Implemented environmental sustainability practices
– Created employment opportunities in local communities
Jubilee Life Insurance
Operating as a subsidiary of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, Jubilee Life Insurance specializes in:
– Non-participating life insurance services
– Financial protection for Kenyan families
– Contributing to the country’s insurance sector development
Here is the full list of businesses owned by Aga Khan in Kenya
| # | Company | Location | Field of Activity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Industrial Promotion Services (Kenya) Ltd | Nairobi | Development institution |
| 2 | Allpack Industries Ltd | Nairobi | Manufacture of high-quality corrugated carton packaging and polypropylene bags |
| 3 | Alltex EPZ Ltd | Nairobi | Garment manufacture |
| 4 | Botanical Extracts EPZ Ltd | Athi River | Production of artemisinin |
| 5 | Farmer’s Choice Ltd | Nairobi | Meat processing |
| 6 | Frigoken Ltd | Nairobi | Vegetable processing for export |
| 7 | Kamyn Industries Ltd | Mombasa | Hosiery manufacture |
| 8 | Premier Food Industries Ltd | Nairobi | Processing of sauces, jams, canned vegetables and juices (concentrate and ready to drink) |
| 9 | Plastics and Rubber Industries Ltd | Nairobi | Chemicals, Rubber Products |
| 10 | Property Development and Management (Holdings) Ltd | Nairobi | Property ownership/management |
| 11 | Wire Products Ltd | Nairobi | Manufacture of steel and allied products |
| 12 | Tourism Promotion Services Eastern Africa Ltd | Nairobi | Tourism promotion |
| 13 | Diamond Trust Bank (DTB) Kenya Ltd | Nairobi | Banking |
| 14 | Jubilee Holdings Ltd | Nairobi | Life and general insurance |
| 15 | Nation Media Group Ltd | Nairobi | Print media and broadcasting |
These entities continue to serve as pillars of Kenya’s economic landscape, embodying the Aga Khan’s commitment to sustainable development and social progress.
