Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi celebrates Class of 2026

On 29 May 2026, the Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi proudly celebrated the graduation of its International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme Class of 2026. This year’s ceremony recognised the Academy’s multinational cohort, with graduates hailing from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Tanzania and Uganda.

Held at the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Pavilion Complex, the ceremony brought together proud family members, close friends, staff and distinguished guests. This included Dr Mohamed Bamatraf, Executive Director of Murdoch University Dubai, who signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Aga Khan Schools (AKS) to expand international higher education opportunities and collaborative learning pathways for students across AKS. The ceremony was also live streamed to extended family members, friends, the wider school community and alumni of AKS, reaching nearly 2,000 viewers across the country and internationally. 

Ahead of the ceremony, the graduating class participated in a special pinning ceremony, a tradition signifying the graduates’ completion of their time at the school. With this, the graduates not only become alumni of the Academy, but also the wider, multigenerational AKS alumni network around the world. 

Dr David Howe, Head of the Academy, opened the event by congratulating the graduates. He emphasised the importance of an IB education, particularly in navigating the evolving world. He encouraged them to face challenges with courage, passion and a commitment to leaving a positive legacy. 

"It has, therefore, never been more important to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills to navigate this unpredictable future and help steer humanity through the many complex challenges that lie ahead of us," Dr Howe said. 

The ceremony's keynote speaker was Dr Farouk Walji, a Class of 1968 alumnus of the Aga Khan High School, Nairobi. He spoke about the impact of technology in today's world, the strength derived from community and faith and the sense of global responsibility which is integral to achieving success.

"It's about leaning in, listening, learning, caring and engaging with those who see the world differently, while holding your own values with integrity even when you find yourself in the minority," he said. 

Dr Rahim Somani, General Manager of AKS, was also present at the ceremony. He reflected on the significance of celebrating the IB Diploma Programme graduations across the AKS network this year. 

"When I look at our graduates, one word comes to mind: hope," he said. "These young people leave our schools not only with knowledge and skills, but with resilience, compassion and strength of character. They represent a generation that will help build more pluralistic, just and sustainable societies whilst improving the quality of life of the communities they will go on to serve." 

The academic excellence of the Class of 2026 is reflected in their remarkable university placements, with graduates securing admissions offers and competitive scholarships to prestigious institutions locally and across the globe. This includes Strathmore University, Aga Khan University, Curtin University Dubai, the University of Manchester, Asia Pacific University, Middlesex University, Deakin University, Washington State University and the University of British Columbia, among others. 

The Aga Khan Academy, Nairobi extends its warmest congratulations to the Class of 2026 and looks forward to their continued success in the years ahead. 

The graduation ceremony is available to watch online via YouTube. 

Photo (top to bottom):

• Group photo of graduates together with honoured guests at the graduation ceremony. 
• A graduate during the pinning ceremony.
• Dr Farouk Walji, Chairman and Founder of Newton Prep, delivering the keynote address.