King Charles III of the United Kingdom (UK) will visit Kenya from Tuesday, 31st October to Friday, 3rd November 2023, as part of the Crown's efforts to strengthen ties with Commonwealth nations worldwide.
This will mark King Charles' fifth visit to the country and his first since he was crowned the King of England. His last visit to Kenya came in 1987, with the previous in 1977 and 1978.
King Charles was three years old when his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, became queen in 1952 while staying at the Treetops Hotel in Aberdare National Park.
"The visit is at the invitation of President William Ruto and comes as Kenya prepares to celebrate 60 years of independence. The King and Queen will visit Nairobi City County, Mombasa County and surrounding areas," the statement read in part.
"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."
During the visit, the King will meet President Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto, and other government members.
He will also attend an event to celebrate the life and work of the late environmentalist and activist Professor Wangari Maathai.
Later, he will tour a new museum dedicated to Kenya's history, lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Uhuru Gardens, and visit the site of the declaration of Kenya’s independence in 1963.
"The King and Queen’s programme will celebrate the close links between the British and Kenyan people in areas such as the creative arts, technology, enterprise, education and innovation," the statement read in part.
"The visit will also acknowledge the more painful aspects of the UK and Kenya’s shared history, including the Emergency (1952-1960). His Majesty will take time during the visit to deepen his understanding of the wrongs suffered in this period by the people of Kenya," it added.
In Mombasa, he will visit Mtongwe Naval Base, where the Marines will demonstrate a covert beach landing, showing defence collaboration in action.
He will also meet faith leaders from Mombasa’s diverse community, hearing how they work together to promote harmony amongst the city’s population.
