Speech by King Willem-Alexander at the state banquet during the state visit to Kenya, Nairobi
Mr President,
Mrs Ruto,
Thank you for your kind words and for the warm welcome that the Queen and I have received here. This is our second state visit to the African continent, and we are delighted to be visiting your country: the beautiful and dynamic Kenya.
My love of Africa was passed down to me at a young age by my father, who spent ten years of his childhood in then Tanganyika. I myself got to know this part of Africa, and Kenya in particular, in the 1980s and 90s. First as a pilot for AMREF – Flying Doctors. And later as a pilot for Kenya Wildlife Service, where my work included protecting elephants from poachers in Meru National Park. In fact, the first pilot licence I ever had that was not a Dutch licence, was a Kenyan licence. And the number was Y 2294 PL. Given to me by Gladys at DCA, first floor, first office on the left. I remember exactly the summer of 1989 when I went there. So it’s an important part of my heart.
Seeing Kenya from the air is simply magical. The light, the colours, the wide vistas... But Kenya from the ground is even more impressive. Because there you experience the incredible power of the people who live here and work this land.
For 61 years, our countries have enjoyed close diplomatic ties. Ties that we cherish. The future belongs to Kenya. You can sense the self-confidence of its people. There is so much talent here, so much potential. Millions of young Kenyans are eager to contribute to their country’s further development. These self-assured and enterprising people are the engine driving Kenya forward.
That enterprising spirit is something the Dutch recognise. It’s what makes our relationship so balanced and successful. You can see this in practice in our economies, which are growing ever more connected. We are Kenya’s third-largest export market worldwide, bigger than all the other EU countries combined. And we are one of Kenya’s top-five investors. Promoting trade, embracing innovation and pursuing opportunities: these are endeavours that unite us.
And it’s not only our economic goals that unite us. We’re both committed to promoting security and stability, in Africa and the wider world. Together we’re working to combat terrorist networks that seek to undermine our societies. We’re joining forces in maritime operations to keep our shipping routes safe. And we’re supporting the UN in its vital work supporting peace. You are home to no fewer than 34 UN agencies. An impressive figure indeed.
Stability, peace and mutual trust cannot be achieved without the rule of law, good governance and respect for human rights. Freedom of expression and due process are laid down as key principles in your constitution – and ours. Safeguarding these principles and implementing them in practice is an ongoing task for us both. The democratic legal order is always a work in progress.
You are aware of our concerns regarding reports of abductions and impunity. As equal partners we can discuss such issues candidly. We encourage all efforts aimed at ensuring accountability for human rights violations.
Kenya has a treasure trove of human capital at its disposal. Young Kenyans want to be taken seriously. To work as free citizens on building the future of their country. Today we spoke to a number of them, and listened to their stories.
One of Africa’s unique strengths is the deeply rooted tradition of involving communities in decision-making, and seeking consensus. This wonderful country can grow even stronger by allowing scope for contributions from all its people. Sitting down and talking until a consensus is reached.
We are grateful for the opportunity to hear about the experiences of Kenyans from all walks of life. Every strong relationship is based on the ability to listen. And that too is why we’re here!
Much of what we’re hearing strikes a chord with us, because we’re dealing with many of the same issues in the Netherlands. Take your concerns about the future of farming and horticulture in a time of climate change. And about robust, sustainable water management.
In the past I visited Kenya often as chair of the UN Secretary-General’s Advisory Board on Water and Sanitation. I saw for myself the impact of climate change on the lives not just of farmers, but of people in cities too.
It’s important that we continue working to combine Dutch and Kenyan expertise on water. And with that in mind, I’m pleased that a number of leading companies and institutions have travelled with us to Kenya: clear evidence that we hope to deepen our cooperation across the board.
In times of uncertainty – when large parts of the world are facing tensions and conflicts – dialogue and partnerships are essential. For over 60 years, Kenya and the Netherlands have shown how strong the ties are between Africa and Europe, and how successful our cooperation has been.
As members of bodies like the UN Human Rights Council, we meet each other in the global arena. But you don’t experience the magic of Kenya at conferences, however important they may be. You experience it here. The aromas, the colours, the stunning natural beauty, the vibrant city life, and above all the incredible life force and energy with which the Kenyan people are steering this country into the future.
May I ask you all to join me in raising your glass.
Mr President, Mrs Ruto: to your good health.
To the friendship between Kenya and the Netherlands!