King and Queen of the Netherlands Visit Kenya Amid Human Rights Concerns

The King and Queen of the Netherlands, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, recently visited Kenya for a state visit. The visit, which lasted from March 17 to March 20, 2025, aimed to strengthen ties between the two countries and explore business opportunities, especially in agriculture, water management, and sustainable development.

However, their visit was met with controversy. Many Kenyans raised concerns over human rights violations in the country. More than 20,000 people signed a petition asking the Dutch royals to cancel their visit. They argued that the Kenyan government has been accused of arresting critics, suppressing protests, and restricting freedom of speech. Some Kenyans also sent emails to the Dutch government expressing their concerns.

Despite these complaints, the visit proceeded as planned. Upon arrival, King Willem-Alexander received a 21-gun salute and was welcomed by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki. The royal couple later met with President William Ruto at State House in Nairobi. They were accompanied by Dutch ministers and business leaders looking to invest in Kenya’s agriculture and water sectors.

During the visit, Amnesty International urged both Kenya and the Netherlands to address human rights issues. The organization pointed out that recent protests in Kenya were met with police violence, leading to deaths and injuries. They called for accountability and protection of civil liberties.

King Willem-Alexander acknowledged these concerns, stating that Kenya and the Netherlands have a strong relationship, which allows open discussions about governance and human rights. He emphasized the importance of ensuring equal opportunities for Kenyan youth and promoting good governance.

One of the highlights of the visit was a state banquet hosted by President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto at State House. Queen Máxima attended the event wearing the Dutch sapphire necklace tiara, a piece of jewelry last worn by her daughter, Princess Catharina-Amalia.

While the Dutch government saw the visit as a way to strengthen relations and discuss human rights directly with Kenyan leaders, many Kenyans remained skeptical about the impact of these discussions. The situation highlighted the tension between diplomatic engagements and concerns over governance and human rights in Kenya.

In the end, the royal visit went ahead as planned, with discussions on investment, trade, and human rights. However, the controversy surrounding it showed that many Kenyans still have deep concerns about their government’s treatment of its people.