King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands have arrived in Kenya for a State Visit at the invitation of President William Ruto.

The royal couple was welcomed at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi on Monday, March 17, 2025, by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, along with other government officials including Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe.

In a statement posted on his X account shortly after welcoming the dignitaries, Kindiki expressed his honour at receiving the distinguished guests.

“Kenya and the Netherlands have maintained warm and cordial relations over the years. The Netherlands remains the largest buyer of Kenyan flowers. Investment in the water and infrastructure sectors and development of arid and semi-arid regions are some of the areas that Kenya has derived the advantages of this symbiotic relationship,” Kindiki stated.

The visit, which officially runs from Tuesday, March 18, to Thursday, March 20, 2025, marks a significant milestone in Kenya-Netherlands diplomatic ties and aims to strengthen cooperation in various fields, including sustainable agriculture, water management, and economic development.   

State Visit itinerary  

During their stay, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima will meet with President William Ruto for high-level discussions on trade, investment, and global partnerships.

They are also expected to visit key projects related to agriculture, water conservation, and climate resilience.  

Kenya is a crucial economic partner for the Netherlands, with significant trade involving floriculture, agriculture, and infrastructure development.

This visit is expected to further enhance economic and diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.

Strengthening bilateral ties

According to an earlier press release from the Dutch government dated January 7, 2025, the royal visit reaffirms the long-standing collaboration between Kenya and the Netherlands.

“The Netherlands seeks to engage in new partnerships in various areas and to deepen the countries’ existing ties. Kenya plays an increasingly influential role in the global arena. In addition, the Netherlands and Kenya maintain close economic relations, and both are major hubs and gateways to large regions,” the Dutch government stated.  

The two nations are set to continue to collaborate within the United The two nations are set to continue collaborating within the United Nations (UN) and other international organizations on issues concerning democracy, the rule of law, and judicial independence.

Other areas of cooperation include peace and security, climate change, and food security.

In parallel with the royal visit, economic missions focusing on sustainable agriculture and water management will be conducted.