President William Ruto held discussions with British High Commissioner Neil Wigan at State House Nairobi on October 23, 2023, in anticipation of the State visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla.
President Ruto expressed Kenya’s honor in hosting the royal couple for their first visit to a Commonwealth nation, underlining the strength of Kenya’s relationship with the United Kingdom (UK).
He emphasized the mutual benefits of their partnership and the significance of the visit for enhancing collaboration in shared interests.
King Charles III and Queen Camilla are set to embark on a four-day State visit to Kenya, spanning from October 31 to November 3, 2023.
Buckingham Palace confirmed the visit, highlighting its purpose of celebrating the warm relationship between the two nations and the enduring dynamic partnership they have fostered.
The Palace noted the historical significance of King Charles III’s visit, as it marks his first to a Commonwealth nation and harks back to the beginning of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign in Kenya in 1952.
During their visit, King Charles III and Queen Camilla are expected to meet with President Ruto, First Lady Rachael Ruto, Kenyan government officials, UN staff, CEOs, faith leaders, young people, and Kenyan Marines training with UK Royal Marines.
They will also tour Nairobi National Park and the Mombasa region.
The program for the royal visit aims to showcase the collaborative efforts between Kenya and the United Kingdom in areas such as mutual prosperity, climate change mitigation, youth opportunities, sustainable development, and regional stability.
It also highlights the cultural ties between the British and Kenyan people, focusing on the creative arts, technology, enterprise, education, and innovation.
The visit will acknowledge the shared history, including the Emergency period from 1952 to 1960.
Additionally, the King will participate in an event celebrating the life and work of Nobel Laureate, the late Professor Wangari Maathai, alongside Wangari’s daughter, Wanjira Mathai.
