NAIROBI – Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has awarded the country’s highest honor, Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH), to Dr Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB), recognising his contribution to economic development in Kenya and across Africa. The ceremony took place at the State House in Nairobi, where President Ruto commended Dr Adesina for his service leading the continent’s main development finance institution.
Dr Adesina becomes the 20th recipient of the honour that was established in 1967. Previous recipients include former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, South Africa’s Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom, Uganda’s Yoweri Museveni and Kenya’s subsequent Presidents Daniel arap Moi, Mwai Kibaki, Uhuru Kenyatta and Dr Ruto.
The relationship between the two leaders dates back two decades, to when Dr Adesina worked in Kenya with the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), while Mr Ruto was agriculture minister. Both recalled their collaboration on farmer subsidies, a policy they pursued despite resistance from some international partners. President Ruto highlighted the policy’s continuity under his administration, crediting it with boosting agricultural output. “Maize production increased from 40m to 70m bags last year. Tea sales generated over KShs 220bn (approx. $1.7bn), the highest ever earnings,” Mr Ruto said, adding that the benefits of the policy were now evident.
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The official citation described Dr Adesina as an economist and development leader. It noted his role in the AfDB’s transformation and its recognition for financial innovation. The citation noted the Bank’s general capital increased from $93bn to $318bn under his leadership. While conferring the award, President Ruto praised Dr Adesina’s leadership.
Accepting the honour, Dr Adesina expressed gratitude. He noted Kenya’s longstanding relationship with the AfDB, established in 1964. Since its inception, the Bank has financed 167 projects in Kenya, totalling $7.8bn. Currently, the AfDB’s active portfolio in the country comprises 45 projects valued at $4.1bn.
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Dr Adesina detailed several key AfDB-supported initiatives, including the Last-Mile Connectivity project, which expanded national grid access from 2.4m households in 2014 to 9.7m in 2024, and the expansion of the Thika-Nairobi Highway, which significantly reduced commute times. The Bank is also funding the Kenya Towns Sustainable Water Supply and Sanitation project with $634m, including the €314.9m construction of the Thwake Multipurpose Water Dam. The dam, due for completion by July 2026, is expected to supply water to approx. 1.3m people across three counties and the Konza Techno-City. The AfDB has also supported Kenya’s private sector with over $700m in lines of credit to more than eight commercial banks. President Ruto noted the Bank’s mortgage sector support has aided the government’s national housing programme, which involves 150,000 houses under construction and employs 260,000 young people.
Addressing youth unemployment in Kenya, Dr Adesina mentioned the AfDB’s ongoing support through eight skills-development projects totalling $309m. He also announced plans, pending board approval, for a dedicated Youth Entrepreneurship Investment Bank for Kenya. Dr Adesina explained this would be a standalone financial institution providing technical assistance, debt, and equity financing for youth businesses. Concluding his remarks, Dr Adesina reiterated his appreciation for the honour:“This is an honour that I will cherish for life,” Adesina said. “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 the Bank to its development. I accept this honour with great humility.”
