Aga Khan bets big on East Africa

AKDN 

representative in Kenya Aziz Bhaloo (L) with
House Speaker Kenneth Marende during the 53rd
anniversary celebrations to mark Imamat day, when
The Aga Khan became the Imam of the Shi’a Ismaili
Muslims. Photo/HEZRON NJOROGE 

Daily Nation Kenya - The Aga Khan Development Network is set to expand its presence in East Africa to take advantage of the common market that came into effect early this month.  AKDN representative in Kenya Aziz Bhaloo said the common market protocol would open more valuable opportunities in the region.

He said this on Tuesday evening in Nairobi during the 53rd anniversary celebrations to mark Imamat day, when The Aga Khan became the Imam of the Shi’a Ismaili Muslims.

This, he said, will enable the transfer of knowledge between countries.

He said Aga Khan University would be expanded to have a faculty of Health in Nairobi.

A graduate school of media will also be established as well as a major campus in Arusha, Tanzania, for the faculty of Arts and Sciences.

Also in the pipeline is the regional expansion of the Industrial Promotion Services in energy and communication.

AKDN’s other activities in tourism, banking and insurance will also be further developed.

“Our regional expansion is an expression of confidence in the East Africa Community’s ability to contribute to bettering the lives of millions of East Africans,” he said.

House Speaker Kenneth Marende, who attended the celebrations, paid glowing tribute to His Highness the Aga Khan for his role in improving people’s welfare.

He praised the partnership the AKDN had created with the government on development.

“No government can on its own fully meet the requirements and expectations of its people. We commend you for being at the forefront in matters charity and promotion of societal and economic welfare,” said the Speaker.

“Every government needs a strong public private sector partnership to enable them execute their respective goals,” he added.