Akinwumi Adesina Honored with Kenya’s Highest Official Distinction
Kenyan President William Ruto has awarded the country’s highest honor, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (C.G.H.), to Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group.
Adesina becomes the 20th recipient of the prestigious award, which was first bestowed upon Kenya’s founding president, Jomo Kenyatta, in 1967. Expressing gratitude, Adesina said, “It is an honor I will cherish all my life. Kenya appreciates and celebrates my leadership at the African Development Bank, and I accept this honor with great humility.”
During the investiture ceremony at State House, Nairobi, President Ruto commended Adesina for his dedication to Kenya’s economic progress and Africa’s transformation.
“You are extraordinary. You are a great leader. You deserve this honor,” Ruto declared.
The two leaders share a longstanding relationship spanning over two decades, dating back to Adesina’s tenure at the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) when Ruto served as Kenya’s Minister of Agriculture. Their joint efforts in implementing farm subsidies have significantly boosted food production and agricultural revenue in Kenya.
Kenya’s government praised Adesina as a distinguished economist and global development leader, highlighting his transformative leadership at the African Development Bank, where he increased its capital from USD 93 billion to USD 318 billion.
Adesina now joins an esteemed list of past honorees, including Nelson Mandela, Kofi Annan, Queen Elizabeth II, and former Kenyan presidents.
“What a great honor! What a rare privilege! What a historic recognition!” Adesina said in his acceptance speech, reaffirming his commitment to Africa’s economic prosperity.
