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President William Ruto on Monday, October 23, 2023, held talks with British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan at State House Nairobi ahead of the State visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.

In a statement, the Head of State said the visit is a testament to the depth of Kenya’s relations with the United Kingdom (UK).

“Kenya is honoured that King Charles III and Queen Camilla have chosen our country for their first visit to a Commonwealth nation.

“This choice is testament to the depth of our relations and the mutual beneficial nature of our partnership. The visit is a significant opportunity to enhance our collaboration in various areas of shared interest,” President Ruto said.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will make a four-day State visit to Kenya from Tuesday, October 31 to Friday, November 3, 2023.

King Charles III visit

President Ruto invited the royal couple for the visit, which comes as Kenya prepares to celebrate 60 years of independence from Britain later in December.

While confirming the visit on October 11, Buckingham Palace said the State visit is aimed at celebrating the warm relationship between the two countries and the strong and dynamic partnership they continue to forge.

“His Majesty’s first visit to a Commonwealth nation as King is therefore to the country in which Queen Elizabeth II’s reign began, having acceded to the throne in Kenya in February 1952,” the palace said.

During the visit, the King and Queen are scheduled to meet President Ruto and First Lady Rachael Ruto as well as other members of the Kenyan Government, United Nations (UN) staff, CEOs, faith leaders, young people, future leaders and Kenyan Marines training with UK Royal Marines.

They will also tour Nairobi National Park as well as Mombasa and surrounding areas.

“Their Majesties’ programme will reflect the ways in which Kenya and the United Kingdom are working together, notably to boost mutual prosperity, tackle climate change, promote youth opportunity and employment, advance sustainable development and create a more stable and secure region,” the palace added.

“The King and Queen’s programme will celebrate the close links between the British and Kenyan people in areas such as the creative arts, technology, enterprise, education and innovation. The visit will also acknowledge the more painful aspects of the UK and Kenya’s shared history, including the Emergency (1952-1960).”

The King will also attend an event to celebrate the life and work of the Nobel Laureate the late Professor Wangari Maathai, together with Wangari’s daughter, Wanjira Mathai.