NAIROBI, Kenya – The King and Queen of the Netherlands, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, are set to arrive in Kenya on Tuesday for a four-day state visit, despite calls from some Kenyans urging the Dutch government to cancel the trip over human rights concerns.
According to a statement from the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the royal visit—accompanied by a delegation of Dutch ministers and business leaders—aims to strengthen bilateral ties, explore investment opportunities, and enhance partnerships in key sectors such as agriculture, water infrastructure, and sustainable financing.
The delegation includes Dutch companies specializing in horticulture, irrigation, food security, and sustainable water management, areas where the two countries have existing collaborations.
A business seminar, hosted by the Dutch Embassy in Nairobi on Monday, will set the stage for discussions on investment opportunities, public-private partnerships, and innovative solutions to boost Kenya’s agricultural and water sectors.
However, the visit has not been without controversy.
STATEMENT: As the Dutch state visit to Kenya begins this week, human rights must take center stage.With over 60 killed, 80+ abducted, and ongoing violent crackdowns on protests, accountability must be a top diplomatic priority. amnestykenya.org/dutch-delegati…
In mid-January, hundreds of Kenyans reportedly sent emails to the Dutch government, urging them to reconsider the trip due to Kenya’s alleged human rights violations.
Concerns raised include enforced disappearances, abductions of government critics, and the treatment of opposition figures from neighboring countries.
Despite the pushback, the Dutch government has defended the visit, emphasizing that it presents an opportunity to engage President William Ruto’s administration on human rights issues.
The Netherlands’ public broadcaster Nederlandse Omroep Stichting (NOS) confirmed that the Dutch Foreign Ministry had acknowledged receiving the emails but maintained that the visit would proceed as planned.
Human rights organization Amnesty International has weighed in, calling on both nations to prioritize human rights in their discussions.
The group has urged the Kenyan and Dutch governments to address ongoing violations and commit to justice for victims, particularly in light of recent crackdowns on civil liberties.
The Dutch Royal House has framed the visit as a watershed moment in diplomatic relations, noting that it comes at the official invitation of President Ruto.
