Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed deep admiration for Kenya’s enduring friendship after being awarded the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH), the country’s highest civilian honour.
The award was conferred by President William Ruto during a ceremony at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday. Ban commended President Ruto’s leadership and described the recognition as a deeply humbling moment, reflecting on his long-standing personal and professional ties to Kenya.
“I feel a strong kinship with Kenya and its people. During my two terms as UN Secretary-General, I visited Kenya more than any other African country,” Ban said.
He fondly recalled Nairobi not only as a major United Nations hub but also as a second home for his family, sharing that his daughter met her husband in the city and his grandson spent part of his early childhood there.
“Three generations of my family are connected to Kenya. I am practically Kenyan myself. Thank you for this award,” he added.
Ban also reflected on Kenya’s role in his life after leaving the UN, noting it was the first country he visited following his tenure. He described the week he spent in Kenya as a time of rest and renewal.
“Kenya came to my rescue in a moment of need and served as a tonic that has propelled me forward ever since,” he said.
Commending President Ruto’s commitment to regional stability and environmental sustainability, Ban applauded Kenya’s leadership in climate action. He highlighted Ruto’s involvement in the Global Center on Adaptation during the 2023 Africa Climate Summit as a major step forward.
“This is not just a win for climate adaptation but a win for Africa. The world needs bold African leadership to confront the climate crisis,” he said.
