Trails of a don: His Highness the Aga Khan's influence on Kenyan media

As the world mourns the spiritual leader of Ismaili Muslims and businessman His Highness the Aga Khan IV, the Kenyan media space has similarly felt a weighty dent.

Aga Khan died at 88 peacefully surrounded by his family in Lisbon on February 4, leaving behind investments that rake in over Ksh.128 billion annually.

His business acumen which started at 20 years of age, after he took over the reins from his grandfather in July 1957, saw him seize an opportunity in Kenya where he established chronicled facilities that have lived to benefit Kenyans.

Among them was the Nation Media Group (NMG), which he founded in 1959 under the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, one of the largest global private development networks.

The ownership stemmed from purchasing a Swahili weekly called Taifa Leo from a colonial officer named Charles Hayes, which was later named Daily Nation in 1960, when it also became a daily newspaper.

Staunch advocate for true reporting

Former NMG CEO Linus Gitahi, in his memorial message, depicts His Highness the Aga Khan as a staunch advocate for free speech and democratic ideals who understood a vibrant civil society thrives on open dialogue and the free exchange of ideas.

Gitahi, who sat at the helm of NMG from 2006 to 2015 during which he met the Aga Khan twice a year, said that the billionaire investor was keen on ensuring that the media was the voice of society and should diligently execute its mandate.

"He championed the independence of the media, urging us to uphold integrity and the truth in our reporting. Yet, he was also quick to condemn short-term, tactical approaches to media issues that could compromise these values," Gitahi wrote.

"What struck me most during our discussions was his unwavering commitment to uplifting civil society. He inspired us to engage deeply with the communities we serve, to listen to their needs, and to advocate for their rights."

Gitahi added that the Aga Khan was a beacon of wisdom and insight as he firmly expressed the vital role the media plays in addressing challenges facing society.

Global trailblazer

President William Ruto has joined global leaders to mourn the 49th hereditary Imam (spiritual leader) of the Shia Ismaili Muslims.

In his message, Ruto celebrated the Aga Khan as “an extraordinary leader who went beyond what seemed impossible to help the vulnerable — through his charities in hospitals and schools.”

Other leaders who have mourned the late businessman include UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu.

Leaders and staff of the Aga Khan Development Network also condoled with the family and the Ismaili community worldwide.

“As we honour the legacy of our founder, Prince Karim Aga Khan, we continue to work with our partners to improve the quality of life for individuals and communities across the world, as he wished, irrespective of their religious affiliations or origins,” the network said in a statement on X.

Aga Khan IV, through the Aga Khan Development Network, also established more institutions in Kenya among them the Aga Khan University, the Aga Khan Hospitals, Diamond Trust Bank (DTB), Jubilee Insurance as well as the Aga Khan primary and secondary schools.

With estimates of his wealth ranging from $800 million to $13 billion, the former skier was renowned for his penchant for horse breeding.