High profile foreign dignitaries who visited Kenya in 2023

By , K24 Digital
On Wed, 27 Dec, 2023 11:00 | 3 mins read
High profile foreign dignitaries who visited Kenya in 2023
A photo collage of King Charles III & Queen Camilla and First Lady of America Jill Biden. PHOTOS/Agencies

Kenya was privileged to host some high-profile foreign dignitaries in 2023.

From King Charles III to America's First Lady Jill Biden, here are some of the global dignitaries who visited the country.

Jill Biden

First Lady of the United States (US) Jill Biden visited Kenya in February this year.

During her visit to Kenya, Jill met President William Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi and other government officials at State House, Nairobi.

US First Lady Jill Biden shakes hands with Kenya's First Lady Rachel Rachel Ruto. PHOTO/(@StateHouseKe)X

The purpose of her three-day State visit was to hold talks in a bid to strengthen American partnerships with Kenya and the African continent and champion women's economic empowerment projects.

She also held talks on the drought situation in Kenya.

At the time, the First Lady also visited Namibia where she held talks with Namibia's President Hage Geingob and First Lady Monica Geingos.

King Charles III

On October 30, 2023, King Charles III and his wife Camilla visited Kenya for a four-day trip.

The King who had undertaken three previous official visits to Kenya in 1971, 1978 and 1987, toured the country this year to celebrate the warm relationship and strong dynamic partnership shared by Kenya and the United Kingdom (UK).

President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto welcome Britain's King Charles III and Queen Camilla to State House on Tuesday, October 31, 2023. PHOTO/PCS

During his visit, the King met President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto. He also met the UN staff, CEOs, future leaders, faith leaders, and Kenyan Marines training with the UK Royal Marines and had a state banquet.

Lloyd Austin

United States Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin visited the country on September 25.

During his visit, Austin had a meeting with Defence CS Aden Duale and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla where they held talks to strengthen the military ties between the two countries.

United States Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin when he landed in Kenya in September. PHOTO/(@AbugaMakori)X

Petr Fiala

Last month, Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala visited the country for a three-day official trip.

He was received by President Ruto, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi and other State officials.

Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala received by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Defence CS Aden Duale at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on November 5, 2023. PHOTO/PCS

The purpose of his trip was to hold bilateral talks with senior government officials to strengthen collaboration and partnership between Kenya and Czech Republic.

Iran President Ebrahim Rais

 In July, President Ekrahim Rais of Iran visited Kenya for a one-day State visit and was hosted by President Ruto at State House, Nairobi.

Iran President meets President Ruto at State House. PHOTO/Reuters

During the visit, the two leaders signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). This included agreements to increase cooperation on information and technology, fisheries, animal health, livestock products and investment promotion.