King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands embarked on a state visit to Kenya from 17th March to 20th March 2025 at the invitation of Kenyan President William Ruto. This visit underscored the longstanding diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations.
The royal couple arrived in Nairobi on the evening of March 17, 2025, and were formally welcomed the following day. King Willem-Alexander was honoured with a 21-gun salute and inspected an honour guard at State House. Their itinerary included visits to significant sites such as the Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum, where they laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior, paying tribute to Kenya’s fallen soldiers.
A key component of the visit was the Business Forum, focusing on strengthening economic relations, particularly in sustainable agriculture and water management. Over 50 Dutch and Kenyan entities participated, discussing innovations in agriculture, logistics, healthcare, energy, and water sectors. Both countries emphasized the importance of sustainable agricultural practices and water management. The Netherlands, renowned for its advanced agricultural technologies and expertise in water management, discussed the potential for collaboration with Kenya in improving food security, irrigation systems, and agricultural productivity, especially in light of climate change. During the visit, the two countries also discussed fostering trade and investment opportunities.
Kenya and the Netherlands signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and a Letter of Intent to bolster bilateral relations:
- Joint Trade Committee MoU which establishes a framework for dialogue on trade and investment cooperation between the two countries, aiming to facilitate and promote bilateral trade and investment.
- Agriculture Working Group MoU: This memorandum renews the framework for cooperation between Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and the Netherlands’ Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, Food Security, and Nature.
- Tourism Collaboration MoU aims to foster tourism collaboration by encouraging more Dutch tourists to visit Kenya and promoting Dutch investment in Kenya’s tourism sector.
- Letter of Intent from Invest International, a Dutch company, expressed its intention to fund two water projects in Kenya—the Naivasha Special Economic Zone Water Supply and Sanitation Project and the Sabaki Bulk Water Supply Project—with a total investment of €3 million. These projects aim to enhance access to clean and reliable water, supporting sustainable development and economic progress.
Additionally, the royals planted a tree in Nairobi’s forest as part of Kenya’s campaign to plant 15 billion trees by 2032, highlighting both nations’ commitment to combating climate change.
On the final day, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima visited Kenya’s Supreme Court, emphasizing the importance of an independent judiciary for inclusive justice. They also toured the Judiciary Museum, gaining insight into Kenya’s legal history. At the International Peace Support Training Centre, they learned about training programs for military personnel from various African countries, supported by Dutch expertise in UN peace operations.
These discussions aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in areas crucial to both countries, especially in the face of global challenges like climate change, security, and sustainable development. The state visit of King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima to Kenya marked a significant milestone in the strengthening of bilateral relations between the Netherlands and Kenya. Both nations underscored their commitment to cooperation in key areas such as sustainable agriculture, water management, climate change, trade, and security. By enhancing diplomatic ties and fostering partnerships in various sectors, this visit paves the way for a more robust and mutually beneficial relationship between Kenya and the Netherlands in the years to come.
