At a reception at Buckingham Palace, Kenyan expatriates in the UK are greeted by King Charles III and Queen Camilla. From October 31 to November 3, the royal couple will travel to the East African nation.
This will be Charles’s fourth official visit to Kenya and his first trip to a Commonwealth nation since ascending to the throne last year.
The royal couple was invited by Kenyan President William Ruto to the country, which is gearing up to commemorate its 60 years of independence from Britain in December.
The King and Queen will undertake a State Visit to Kenya, from Tuesday 31st October to Friday 3rd November 2023, to celebrate the warm relationship between the two countries and the strong and dynamic partnership they continue to forge,” said the palace.
“The King and Queen will visit Nairobi City County, Mombasa County and surrounding areas,” said the palace.
Charles III will be making his first trip to a Commonwealth country since ascending to the throne in September of last year.
The statement went on to say that the program will showcase the various areas of cooperation between the two nations.
These objectives encompass endeavors such as enhancing economic well-being, addressing climate change, fostering youth empowerment and employment, promoting sustainable development, and contributing to the overall stability and security of the region, as stated in the communication.
The King is scheduled to engage with various stakeholders during his visit to Kenya, including government officials, United Nations personnel, religious leaders, young individuals, and Kenyan Marines involved in joint training with the UK Royal Marines. Additionally, he will participate in an event celebrating Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai.
Lingering tensions
In addition, Charles plans to address “the more painful aspects” of the relationship by examining the time frame surrounding the end of British colonial rule in 1963.
This will include examining the “Emergency” of 1952–1960, when the Kenyan Kikuyu tribe, known as the Mau Mau, launched a guerrilla campaign against European settlers, leading to the declaration of a state of emergency.
“His Majesty will take time during the visit to deepen his understanding of the wrongs suffered in this period by the people of Kenya,” said the palace.