Dutch royal couple arrive in Nairobi. March 17, 2025. (Photo: Courtesy).

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands arrived in Kenya on Monday evening for a four-day state visit to meet President William Ruto to discuss cooperation initiatives on tourism and trade between the two countries.

The Dutch royals arrived around 8pm (East Africa Time) and were received by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe among other leaders, according to local media.

The visit is set to focus on key areas such as trade, security, climate action, and youth empowerment, according to a programme released by the Royal House of Netherlands.

At the state house, the King and Queen will engage in high-level meetings with President Ruto and other government officials to discuss collaboration in governance, peace and security, and economic development.

They will also sign Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in sectors such as tourism, trade, agriculture, and logistics will further strengthen investment opportunities and business partnerships.

The royal couple will also speak with young Kenyans from a range of backgrounds, who will share their personal experiences and their ideas about the human rights situation, good governance, and democracy in their country.

Further, the King and Queen will plant a tree in Nairobi as part of the Netherlands’ contribution to President Ruto’s campaign to grow 15 billion trees by 2032 to increase the country’s forest cover and help combat climate change.