Kenya has awarded former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon its highest civilian honor, the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart (CGH). The award was presented by President William Ruto at State House Nairobi on July 8, 2025. In his remarks, President Ruto praised Ban Ki-moon for his global leadership, tireless advocacy, and commitment to a just, peaceful, and sustainable world. He highlighted Ban Ki-moon's transformative tenure at the UN, including his efforts to strengthen the institution's capacity to address crises such as food and energy insecurity and pandemics, as well as his advocacy for human rights and gender equality. The President also noted Ban Ki-moon's role in the creation of UN Women and initiatives to end violence against women. Ban Ki-moon expressed his appreciation for Kenya's friendship and recalled that Kenya was the first country he visited after stepping down as UN Secretary-General.