President William Ruto has honoured former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon with the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH), the highest civilian award in Kenya. The accolade celebrates Ban’s contributions to global peace, sustainable development, and international diplomacy.
Highlights:
- Ban Ki-moon awarded the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH)
- Ceremony led by President William Ruto in Nairobi
- Honour recognizes Ban’s global leadership and partnership with Kenya
Main Story:
Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has been conferred with Kenya’s most prestigious national honour — the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH) — by President William Ruto. The award was presented in Nairobi during a high-profile ceremony attended by dignitaries and top government officials.

President Ruto praised Ban for his decades-long service to humanity, citing his leadership on climate action, peacebuilding, and sustainable development. He described Ban as a “true friend of Africa” whose legacy has inspired nations to work together in tackling shared global challenges.

The honour reflects Kenya’s appreciation for Ban’s close ties with the country during his UN tenure. Under his leadership, the UN worked closely with Kenya on key peacekeeping missions, environmental programmes, and regional stability efforts. His visit also underscores the continued importance of diplomatic cooperation between Kenya and global institutions.

Ban Ki-moon, who served as the UN’s eighth Secretary-General from 2007 to 2016, remains an influential figure in global affairs. He currently champions climate resilience, education, and health through various foundations and initiatives.
In a world often divided, honours like this remind us that diplomacy, leadership, and service still matter.
