NAIROBI, Kenya – Dutch King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima arrived in Kenya on Monday for a four-day state visit aimed at strengthening economic, diplomatic, and cultural ties between the two nations.
The royal couple landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, where they were welcomed by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, along with senior Kenyan officials, including Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe and Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Korir Sing’Oei.
Also present were Netherlands Ambassador to Kenya, Henk Jan Bakker, and Kenya’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Halima Yussuf Mucheke.
His Majesty Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Máxima, King and Queen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands have landed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (J.K.I.A.) a while ago ahead of their three-day State visit to Kenya.They were received at the airport by H.E. Prof. Kithure…
Their visit underscores the deep historical and economic relationship between Kenya and the Netherlands, dating back to the early 20th century.
It also highlights ongoing collaborations in trade, renewable energy, and sustainable development.
The itinerary includes a ceremonial welcome at State House, where King Willem-Alexander and President William Ruto will hold bilateral talks.
The two leaders are expected to oversee the signing of key agreements, followed by a press briefing.
Later, the King and Queen will pay tribute to Kenya’s history by laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Uhuru Gardens.
They will also take part in a tree-planting initiative in Kiambu County, emphasizing their commitment to environmental conservation.
In the evening, President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto will host the royal couple at a state banquet in their honor.
Key highlights of this State Visit include: 1.A ceremonial welcome at State House @StateHouseKenya , Nairobi which will be followed by bilateral meetings and the witnessing of the signing of various Memoranda of Understanding and thereafter a press briefing; 2.Laying of a wreath…
Kenya and the Netherlands share a robust trade relationship, with the Netherlands being the largest importer of Kenyan flowers.
Over a billion flower stems from Kenya are sold annually at the world’s largest auction in The Hague before being distributed globally.
Kenya also exports coffee, tea, fruits, and vegetables to the Netherlands, while importing machinery, chemicals, and dairy products.
As part of the visit, the King and Queen will attend a business forum bringing together Dutch and Kenyan enterprises, academic institutions, and NGOs to explore further investment opportunities.
One major area of Dutch investment in Kenya is renewable energy, notably the Lake Turkana Wind Power project.
The 365-turbine wind farm, one of Africa’s largest, supplies about 15% of Kenya’s electricity.
Formal diplomatic ties between Kenya and the Netherlands were established in the early 1970s, but Dutch engagement in Kenya dates back to 1906, when early settlers arrived in Uasin Gishu County.
Since then, the Netherlands has played a pivotal role in Kenya’s economic and environmental development.
During their visit, the Dutch royals will tour various projects that showcase this partnership, including agricultural research centers and cultural initiatives.
The King and Queen are set to depart on March 20, concluding a visit that not only reaffirms diplomatic ties but also paves the way for future cooperation in key sectors.
The Royal Couple’s historic visit builds on a rich history of friendly relations, aiming to reinforce collaboration and shared goals of prosperity, sustainability, and global cooperation.The Kenya-Dutch relations date back to 1906 when the first Dutch nationals arrived in…
