King Charles III and Queen Camilla have announced that they will undertake a State Visit to Kenya, from Tuesday, October 31 to Friday, November 3, 2023.
In a statement, the UK Government said the visit is aimed at celebrating the warm relationship between the two countries and the strong and dynamic partnership they continue to forge.
"The visit is at the invitation of President Ruto and comes as Kenya prepares to celebrate 60 years of independence. His Majesty’s first visit to a Commonwealth nation as King is therefore to the country in which Queen Elizabeth II’s reign began, having acceded to the throne in Kenya in February 1952," the statement read in part.
The two are scheduled to meet President William Ruto and First Lady Rachael Ruto during the visit, as well as other members of the Kenyan Government, UN staff, CEOs, faith leaders, young people, future leaders and Kenyan Marines training with UK Royal Marines.
"The King and Queen will visit Nairobi City County, Mombasa County and surrounding areas. Their Majesties’ programme will reflect the ways in which Kenya and the United Kingdom are working together, notably to boost mutual prosperity, tackle climate change, promote youth opportunity and employment, advance sustainable development and create a more stable and secure region," the statement added.
King Charles III to celebrate Wangari Maathai
King Charles III will also attend an event to celebrate the life and work of the Nobel Laureate the late Professor Wangari Maathai, together with Wangari’s daughter, Wanjira Mathai.
The UK government says that during the visit, the King will seek to deepen his understanding of the wrongs suffered by the people of Kenya during the State of Emergency period between 1952 and 1960.
"Together, Their Majesties will tour a new museum dedicated to Kenya’s history and will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Uhuru Gardens, as well as visiting the site of the declaration of Kenya’s independence in 1963," the statement added.
King Charles III is also scheduled to attend a technology showcase, meeting Kenyan entrepreneurs who are driving forward innovation in the country’s tech sector. Kenya has the third largest start-up ecosystem in Africa.
The two will also visit a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery, joining British and Kenyan military personnel in an act of Remembrance, before hearing about the Commission’s recent work to ensure all those who supported Britain’s efforts in both World Wars are commemorated.
"The King, as Captain General of the Royal Marines, and The Queen, will visit Mtongwe Naval Base in Mombasa. There, Their Majesties will witness Kenyan Marines, trained by the Royal Marines, demonstrating a covert beach landing, showing defence collaboration in action," the statement added.
King Charles III has undertaken three previous official visits to Kenya in 1971, 1978 and 1987. The two have also previously visited the country privately.
