State Visit to Kenya by Their Majesties, the King and Queen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
NAIROBI – 17 MARCH, 2025
The Government of Kenya is honored to welcome Their Majesties, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, for a State Visit from 18th to 20th March, 2025 at the invitation of His Excellency President William Ruto.
The King and Queen will be accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Caspar Veldkamp, the Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Reinette Klever, and the Minister of Defence, Ruben Brekelmans, who will in their various capacities attend different events.
During their stay, Their Majesties will engage in high-level meetings with His Excellency President William Ruto and senior government officials to explore opportunities for further collaboration on key issues such as trade, investment, climate action, and sustainable development. The visit aims to enhance economic partnerships and deepen bilateral relations in areas including agriculture, water resource management, renewable energy, and technological innovation.
Their Majesties will also meet with Kenyan business leaders, civil society representatives, and academic stakeholders to reinforce people-to-people connections between the two nations. Additionally, they will tour select projects that demonstrate the Netherlands’ commitment to Kenya’s progress in areas such as financial inclusion, youth empowerment, and gender equality.
Key highlights of the State Visit which commences on the 18th March, 2025 include:
1. A ceremonial welcome at State House, 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 at the Tomb of the unknown Soldier at the Uhuru Gardens Museum to be followed by a tree planting ceremony within Kiambu County. The Royal Couple will be hosted by President William Ruto and First Lady Mama Racheal Ruto for a State Banquet later in the evening.
3. King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima are expected to attend a Business Forum focusing on the strong economic ties between the Netherlands and Kenya. The business Forum will see the participation of various Kenya and Dutch businesses, including academic institutions and NGOs;
4. The Royal Couple will also undertake field visits to various initiatives exemplifying the longstanding Dutch-Kenyan partnership in sustainable development and cultural events celebrating the shared values and heritage of both countries. The Royal Couple will depart for The Netherlands on the 20th March, 2025.