NAIROBI – President William Root is scheduled to hold talks with King Willem Alexander of the Netherlands on Tuesday.
The royal couple arrived at Jomokenyatta International Airport at 8pm on Monday and were greeted by Vice President Kichua Kintiki.
The Capitol said discussions between the King and his delegation will focus on trade, investment and bilateral cooperation.
Along with the King and Queen are a delegation of Dutch ministers and business leaders who seek to explore investment opportunities and strengthen economic ties. The mandate includes companies specializing in agriculture, horticulture, irrigation, water infrastructure, and sustainable financing.
“The last four-day business mission (March 17-20) is in line with the Embassy of its commitment to strengthening trade relations in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, strengthening food security and advances in sustainable water solutions,” a statement from the Dutch government read.
The visit comes amid concerns raised by human rights activists in Kenya. In January, around 300 Kenyans sent emails to the Dutch government, citing Kenya’s governance and human rights violations, urging them to cancel their trips.
The Dutch royals defended the visit and called it a pivotal moment of diplomatic relations. The Dutch Foreign Ministry acknowledged its concerns, but argued that the visit would provide an opportunity to discuss human rights issues with Root’s administration.
Amnesty International calls on both governments to prioritize human rights and ensure accountability for the recent crackdown on civil liberties in Kenya.
