What King Alexander, Queen Maxima are up to on day 2 of Kenya visit

Dutch royals, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima, are expected to spend the second day of their state visit in Naivasha.

Their itinerary includes a visit to the Naivasha Inland Container Depot, a key hub where most of Kenya’s perishable exports are prepared and stored before shipping to international markets.

The Netherlands is the largest buyer of Kenyan roses, which are prominently featured in auctions such as the Aalsmeer Flower Auction.

According to Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, Kenyan flowers are among the 19 million flowers and 2 million plants sold daily at the auction, many of which are re-exported to other countries.

“The Dutch government has invested heavily in agricultural research and environmental projects and remains the top importer of Kenyan flowers,” said Sing’oei in a statement on Wednesday. 

Kenya also exports coffee, tea, fruits, vegetables, fish, and tobacco to the Netherlands, while importing machinery, chemicals, and dairy products in return.

While in Naivasha, the King and Queen will tour horticultural projects to gain firsthand insight into the early stages of the horticultural value chain. Later, they will take part in a panel discussion on climate security.

Their visit is expected to impact traffic on the Nairobi-Nakuru Highway, as their entourage will enter Naivasha via Mai Mahiu.

The second day follows a busy first day that included a reception at State House, a ceremonial tree-planting at Thogoto Forest in Kiambu County, and a discussion with young

Kenyans on human rights—a sensitive topic that had cast a shadow over the trip.

The royals also attended a conference with Kenyan business leaders and Dutch investors before concluding the day with a state banquet hosted by President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto last evening. 

The Standard is closely monitoring the royals visit.