Kenya hosted the first major book launch of an Institute of Ismaili Studies publication outside North America and Europe. The authors, Dr Farhad Daftary and Dr Zulfikar Hirji, were present at the launch of The Ismailis: An Illustrated History.

The grand launch, which took place on 25 July 2008 in Nairobi, attracted over 500 Jamati members and several leaders from the Muslim Ummah, as well as friends of the Jamat from the wider Kenyan community. Asif Alidina of the IIS began the evening by introducing the Institute and its publications function.

Professor Azim Nanji, Director of the IIS, shared the history of the book, its importance, and the relevance of its launch during the Golden Jubilee. The book's journey, Professor Nanji recounted, culminated in its presentation to Mawlana Hazar Imam on 4 July 2008 in London.

Dr Daftary then presented a succinct but enlightening history of the Ismailis over their 1 400 year history. Captivating the audience, Dr Hirji added details on how the book was researched and how some of the hundreds of illustrations were sourced, several of which were being published for the very first time.

The Jamat was treated to an inspiring evening of intellectual journey into our glorious history.