Ruto confers Ban Ki-moon with the highest state award
By Faith Lagat, July 8, 2025President William Ruto has conferred Kenya’s highest state honour on former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in recognition of his outstanding service to humanity and global diplomacy.
Ruto conferred the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH) honour to Ban Ki-moon on July 8, 2025, an event that took place at State House.
This state investiture ceremony is convened pursuant to Article 132(4)(c) of the Constitution to confer national honours upon distinguished individuals in service to the people and the Republic of Kenya,” the president stated.
This constitutional tradition has been operationalised under the National Honours Act, Chapter 216A of the Laws of Kenya, which grants the president the prerogative to confer national honours in recognition of individuals with distinguished service to the people and humanity.”
Ban Ki-moon, a globally respected diplomat, served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade of the Republic of Korea before taking up his UN role. Over his 37-year public service career, he was instrumental in shaping foreign policy and served as chief adviser to the president of South Korea.
The ceremony, held at State House, celebrated Ban’s decades-long contribution to peacebuilding, climate action, and sustainable development across the globe.
“On behalf of the people and government of Kenya, I extend my very heartfelt congratulations to you upon your receiving our nation’s highest honor, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart,” said President Ruto.
“This recognition is a testament to your global leadership, tireless advocacy, and your unwavering commitment to a just, peaceful, and sustainable world.”
Ruto praised Ban for his visionary leadership during his tenure as the 8th Secretary-General of the United Nations, noting that he “distinguished himself as a bridge builder and a champion of the world’s most vulnerable.”
“Your visionary leadership placed climate change at the forefront of the global agenda beginning with the 2007 climate summit and through sustained diplomatic efforts that mobilised unprecedented international attention,” Ruto said. “Your legacy continues to inspire us as we confront the harsh realities of a changing climate here in Africa.”
He also commended Ban for his transformative impact on the UN system:
“Your tenure also brought transformative change to the UN. You strengthened the institution’s capacity to address crises from food and energy to pandemics.” “The creation of UN Women and the numerous initiatives you championed to end violence against women reflect your deep conviction that sustainable development must be inclusive and just.”
Ruto further noted that later in the day, Kenya would break ground for the new Global Centre on Adaptation headquarters in Nairobi—a move inspired by Ban’s leadership in climate action.
“Later today we break ground for the Global Centre on Adaptation’s new headquarters in Nairobi. We are reminded of your enduring commitment to climate action.” “This centre stands as our shared resolve to build a resilient and sustainable future for present and future generations.” “Kenya is proud to honor you for your lifetime of service to humanity. May this award serve as our profound appreciation of your vision, dedication, and the lasting impact of your work on humanity. You are a great inspiration to me.”
He concluded by reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to global climate cooperation:
“The setting up of the Global Centre of Adaptation dual headquarters in Nairobi sends a powerful signal that climate matters are a dual concern of the Global South as much as they are for the Global North—and brings all our synergies together towards solving this global challenge.”