His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima paid a State Visit to Kenya, where they were welcomed by H.E. Hon William Samoei Ruto, PhD, C.G.H., President of Kenya and Commander-in-Chief of the Defence Forces and the first lady H.E. Rachael Ruto, from Tuesday, 18th to Thursday, 20th March 2025. The visit reaffirmed the strong diplomatic ties and solid partnerships between Kenya and the Netherlands, further bolstering trade, investment, and economic cooperation across key sectors and regions.
This historic visit, the first-ever by a Dutch monarch to Kenya, also marked the 60th Anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Kenya and the Kingdom of the Netherlands. His Majesty was accompanied by a distinguished delegation, including senior government officials, business leaders, academic representatives, and civil society organizations, underscoring the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation.
During the State Visit, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander visited key sites and institutions, including the Supreme Court, Uhuru Gardens Heroes Square, engagements with business leaders, the Inland Container Depot (ICD) in Naivasha, and the International Peace Support Training Centre (IPSTC).
Key Takeaways of the State Visit
On the first day of the visit, His Majesty and H.E. the President of Kenya held bilateral talks, reaffirming the warm and productive relations between Kenya and the Netherlands. These relations are underpinned by shared values, strong economic ties, and a commitment to multilateralism and a rules-based international order. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation, enhancing trade and investment, and addressing global challenges of mutual interest. The talks were followed with the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in key sectors, including: Tourism, Trade, Security, Agriculture and Fisheries.
Political Consultations
Kenya and the Netherlands pledged to strengthen their collaboration on climate action and human rights advocacy during the inaugural political consultations. The session, held on the sidelines of the State Visit focused on deepening bilateral ties in critical areas such as climate change, human rights, and sustainable development.
Advancing Climate action and sustainable development
On the ongoing joint projects in environmental conservation, Kenya appreciated the Netherlands’ support for climate adaptation projects in Kenya, particularly in Marsabit, Isiolo, and Garissa counties. The two countries agreed to scale up efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance climate resilience, with a focus on green growth and climate-smart agriculture.
Leveraging Multilateral Cooperation
Both countries underscored the importance of working together in global advocacy efforts, by advocating for fair development financing for developing nations as the two nations are both serving concurrently on the United Nations Human Rights Council, providing a unique opportunity to collaborate more closely in advancing human rights worldwide.
Business Forum
King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima attended the Business Forum, highlighting the strong economic ties between Kenya and the Netherlands. The forum brought together over 70 businesses, knowledge institutions, and NGOs to explore opportunities in sustainable agriculture, water management, and innovation. The Royals participated in a roundtable discussion with CEOs, addressing the challenges and opportunities of doing business in Kenya. The forum also focused on the social impact of Dutch initiatives, particularly in education and youth employment in Kenya, further strengthening bilateral relations in key sectors like healthcare, logistics, and green energy.
Field Visits
The King and Queen visited an Inland Container Depot (ICD), a major storage facility for dry export products. The Netherlands is the largest export market in the region for products like flowers and avocados. The ICD, in collaboration with the Netherlands, is working to improve sustainable logistics for perishables by promoting the transport of refrigerated goods via rail and ship. This initiative showcases innovations in sustainable agrologistics, such as cold storage for farmers, flower preparation for sea freight, and plans for a consolidation centre to reduce costs and boost exports.
The visit coincided with a historic milestone as Kenya Railways introduced Reefer wagons designed to improve the transportation of perishable goods. These wagons, equipped with real-time temperature monitoring systems, will ensure that cargo remains fresh throughout the journey. Fresh produce from various Fresh Produce Consolidation Centers will now be transported via the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) to the Port of Mombasa, where it will be shipped to European markets, including the Netherlands. This achievement represents a significant shift from airfreight to sea freight, further enhancing the sustainability of Kenya’s agricultural exports.
In conclusion, Kenya and the Netherlands have committed to further strengthening cooperation across all sectors and continuing engagement through established mechanisms to ensure the successful implementation of agreed-upon initiatives. The visit has highlighted the growing ties between the two nations, with both reaffirming their dedication to enhancing diplomatic and economic partnerships, fostering people-to-people exchanges, and advancing mutual areas of interest.
Magical Kenya for tourists to visit
In addition, Kenya’s rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture makes it a prime tourist destination offering the ultimate African safari experience, providing travelers with an authentic and immersive journey into the heart of Africa. Located near the equator, the country is home to diverse landscapes, from vast savannahs teeming with wildlife to ancient cultures, lush forests, snow-capped peaks, deserts, pristine beaches, and vibrant coral reefs. Kenya’s luxury safari accommodations range from exclusive lodges and tented camps to world-class resorts, ensuring unmatched comfort and adventure.
What sets a Kenyan safari apart is the warm hospitality of its people, along with unforgettable experiences, from thrilling game drives to serene sunsets. Whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation, Kenya offers a wealth of options for an unforgettable journey.
https://tourkenya.go.ke
Karibuni Kenya
Written by the Ambassador of Kenya, H.E. Hon Halima Mucheke