Nairobi — King Charles III and Queen Camilla are in Kenya for a state visit from Tuesday, October 31, to Friday, November 3, 2023.
According to Kenya News Agency, the visit aims to celebrate the warm relationship and dynamic partnership between the United Kingdom and Kenya. The visit comes at the invitation of President Ruto and aligns with Kenya’s preparations to celebrate its 60th year of independence.
The British High Commissioner noted that this is King Charles III’s first visit to a Commonwealth nation as King and it occurs in the same country where Queen Elizabeth II began her reign in 1952. The King and Queen will visit Nairobi City County, Mombasa County, and surrounding areas. The visit will focus on mutual prosperity, tackling climate change, youth opportunity and employment, sustainable development, and regional stability. Their Majesties will meet with President Ruto, the First Lady, members of the Kenyan government, UN staff, CEOs, faith leaders, young people, and future leaders. They will also engage with Kenyan Marines who are training with UK Royal Marines.
During their visit, the royals will attend an event celebrating the late Nobel Laureate Professor Wangari Maathai, in the company of her daughter, Wanjira Mathai. They will explore close links between the UK and Kenya in areas such as creative arts, technology, enterprise, education, and innovation. The visit will also address more difficult aspects of the countries’ shared history, including the Emergency period from 1952 to 1960. His Majesty aims to deepen his understanding of the wrongs suffered by Kenyans during this period.
Their Majesties will tour a new museum dedicated to Kenya’s history and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Uhuru Gardens. They will also visit the site of Kenya’s declaration of independence in 1963. The program includes a ceremonial welcome at State House and bilateral meetings between the King and the President and the Queen and the First Lady. A State Banquet will be hosted at State House.
King Charles III will visit the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) to learn about UN Habitat and the UN Environment Programme. He will also attend a technology showcase featuring Kenyan entrepreneurs who are contributing to the country’s third-largest startup ecosystem in Africa. The King will host a reception focused on Kenya’s young people and future leaders in various fields. The royals will visit a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery and join military personnel in an act of remembrance. They will also learn about the Commission’s recent work in commemorating those who supported Britain in both World Wars.
Their Majesties will visit Nairobi National Park to witness conservation work by the Kenya Wildlife Service. The Queen, as the Patron of the equine welfare charity Brooke, will engage with the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals to learn about rescue efforts for at-risk donkeys. At Mtongwe Naval Base in Mombasa, they will witness a covert beach landing demonstration by Kenyan Marines trained by the Royal Marines. The Queen will meet survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, while the King will engage with faith leaders in Mombasa.
The King had previously visited Kenya in 1971, 1978, and 1987, and both monarchs have also visited the country privately.