His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands will pay a state visit to Kenya from Tuesday, 18 March to Thursday, 20 March 2025.
The visit, hosted at the invitation of President William Ruto, underscores the growing significance of Kenya-Netherlands relations and their shared vision for global and regional cooperation.
Strengthening bilateral relations
This will be the first-ever state visit to Kenya by the Dutch royal family, highlighting the strong ties between the two nations.
Kenya and the Netherlands have long-standing economic, political, and social relations, with both countries serving as critical hubs for their respective regions.
The Dutch government has expressed its desire to deepen existing partnerships and forge new ones in areas such as climate change, food security, and sustainable agriculture.
READ: Why Ruto allies are celebrating Trump's win in U.S. presidential elections
Kenya's position as a leader in the African continent and its increasing influence on the global stage make it a vital partner for the Netherlands.
A statement from the Dutch Royal Family noted, “The Netherlands and Kenya maintain close economic relations and are gateways to large regions. This visit reaffirms our commitment to work together actively towards democracy, rule of law, and independence of the judiciary.”
Focus on economic missions
Parallel to the royal visit, economic missions centred on sustainable agriculture and water management will take place.
These missions will bring together stakeholders from both nations, aiming to explore opportunities for innovation and collaboration in addressing pressing global challenges.
The Netherlands is a global leader in water technology and sustainable agricultural practices, areas where Kenya has shown significant interest and potential.
This collaboration could help Kenya tackle food insecurity and improve resilience against climate change.
“By sharing knowledge and technology, we can create sustainable solutions that benefit both countries,” said an official from the Dutch delegation.
Shared goals in international cooperation
Beyond economic ties, Kenya and the Netherlands actively collaborate in international organisations like the United Nations.
Both nations work towards shared objectives such as peace, security, and combating climate change.
Kenya’s recent efforts in mediating regional conflicts, coupled with its commitment to sustainable development, align with the Netherlands’ global agenda.
This visit is expected to reinforce these partnerships while fostering mutual growth and understanding.