Dutch royals to meet Kenyan youth after protest emails

The visiting Dutch royals have scheduled a meeting with Kenyan youth to discuss Kenya’s human rights situation, following numerous emails protesting their visit.

In January, when the Royal House of the Netherlands announced the trip, Kenyans wrote to the Dutch government urging its cancellation, citing a surge in human rights violations, including abductions and enforced disappearances.

However, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while confirming receipt of the emails, maintained that the visit would offer an opportunity to address “difficult topics.”

“The people of Kenya, like those of the Netherlands, want their rights as free citizens to be respected and their voices to be heard,” said King Willem-Alexander in a joint communique on Tuesday, March 18, following a meeting with his host, President William Ruto.

“I’m pleased that our countries’ strong and mature relationship allows us to devote attention during this visit to issues like human rights, good governance and accountability,” he added.

King Willem-Alexander: We are glad to have the opportunity to discuss the concerns that exists in human rights, good governance and accountability. Later this morning, at the ambassador’s residence, we will be meeting young Kenyans to hear their views on recent developments and… pic.twitter.com/w5eDhjGb4s

The meeting is scheduled to take place today at the Dutch ambassador’s residence.

The joint communiqué, partly read by President Ruto, also highlighted discussions on trade, investment, climate change, and sustainable development.

As a result, Kenya and the Netherlands signed three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to boost trade and agriculture, as well as a separate agreement on tourism aimed at attracting more Dutch visitors.

“A particularly significant development is the entry of Invest Africa, a Dutch financial investment entity into the Kenyan market, which will provide much needed capital to Kenya’s private sector and expand access for businesses looking to scale in the East African market,” said Ruto.

Additionally, Kenya will receive financing for projects including a phase of the Naivasha Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and the Sabaki bulk water supply, each costing Sh212 million.

The consortiums Rebel Group and Royal Haskoning DHV, along with Climate Fund Managers and Utility Partners, have signed letters of intent for the respective projects.

Diplomatic engagements.

Earlier, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima received a ceremonial welcome, including a 21-gun salute by the Kenya Defence Forces.

“I extend my very warm welcome to Their Majesties and wish them a fruitful, insightful, and memorable stay in Kenya,” Ruto said.

The Netherlands aims to use this first Kenyan visit by a reigning Dutch monarch to deepen the 60-year-old bilateral relationship, particularly in areas such as democracy, the rule of law, and judicial independence.

The King’s delegation includes Foreign Affairs Minister Caspar Veldkamp, Foreign Trade and Development Minister Reinette Klever, and Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans. They are set to engage their Kenyan counterparts on peace and security, climate change, and food security.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said the Dutch royals will also meet with Kenyan business leaders and academic representatives to strengthen people-to-people ties.

This visit marks the second time President Ruto has hosted reigning monarchs, following the visit of King Charles III and Queen Camilla in November 2023.