King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands embarked on a state visit to Kenya from March 18 to 20, 2025. The move is controversial and has generated moxed reactions. This visit, intended to strengthen bilateral ties, has been overshadowed by mounting allegations of human rights abuses within the East African nation.
Kenya, under President William Ruto’s administration, has faced increasing scrutiny over its human rights record. Reports have surfaced accusing the government of arresting and detaining critics, particularly following the June 2024 anti-government protests. These demonstrations, fueled by public anger over new taxes, saw protestors storming parliament and setting parts of it ablaze. The government’s response included violent crackdowns on demonstrators and curbing free speech, with state-linked abductions of young men for social media posts deemed offensive to the president. In December, protests against widespread kidnappings led to the arrest of dozens of peaceful demonstrators.
Amidst this backdrop, the Dutch royal visit has been met with mixed reactions. Over 20,000 Kenyans signed a petition urging the monarchs to reconsider their visit, highlighting concerns that their presence might legitimize the current regime’s actions. The Dutch government acknowledged receiving more than 300 emails requesting the cancellation of the trip but decided to proceed as scheduled.
Upon their arrival, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima were welcomed with formal ceremonies, including a 21-gun salute and an honor guard inspection at State House, Nairobi. Despite the grandeur, there was a palpable lack of enthusiasm among the Kenyan populace. Macharia Munene, a professor of international relations at the United States International University-Africa, attributed this to the “low morale” prevailing in the country. He noted that diminished trust in the government, coupled with failing public institutions like health and education, has led to a general apathy towards such high-profile visits.
In his address at State House, King Willem-Alexander emphasized the importance of addressing human rights, good governance, and accountability during their discussions. He acknowledged the deep ties between the Netherlands and Kenya, expressing a desire to engage with various sectors of Kenyan society, including the youth.
Amnesty International seized the occasion to urge both nations to prioritize human rights issues during the visit. The organization called for accountability for victims following the recent brutal crackdowns on human rights in Kenya. This sentiment was echoed by other rights groups, pressing the Kenyan government to uphold civil liberties, especially given its recent election to the U.N. Human Rights Council.
The visit also spotlighted Kenya’s economic challenges. Despite being the Netherlands’ largest trading partner in Africa, Kenya’s economy has been under strain. President Ruto, who assumed office in 2022, has faced criticism for not doing enough to bolster the nation’s economic standing. Mass protests against government policies last year resulted in at least 60 fatalities, further exacerbating public discontent.
Critics argue that the royal visit, amidst such a backdrop, could be perceived as an endorsement of the current administration’s actions. They contend that engaging with a government accused of human rights violations sends the wrong message to the international community and undermines efforts to hold the regime accountable. The petition against the visit highlighted fears that the trip might legitimize the regime, calling on the Dutch royals to reconsider their plans.
Conversely, proponents of the visit believe it provides a platform to address these pressing issues directly. They argue that diplomatic engagements can serve as avenues for constructive dialogue, potentially leading to positive changes. By bringing human rights concerns to the forefront during high-level discussions, there is hope for increased pressure on the Kenyan government to implement necessary reforms.
The Dutch royal couple’s itinerary included meetings with various stakeholders, aiming to understand the challenges and opportunities within Kenya. Their engagement with civil society organizations, business leaders, and youth representatives was seen as an effort to grasp the multifaceted nature of Kenya’s socio-political landscape. However, the effectiveness of such engagements in bringing about tangible change remains a subject of debate.
As the visit concluded, the lingering question was whether it would lead to substantive improvements in Kenya’s human rights situation or merely serve as a ceremonial gesture. The international community continues to watch closely, hoping that the spotlight brought by the Dutch royals will translate into concrete actions benefiting the Kenyan populace.
In the end, the Dutch monarchs’ Kenyan sojourn highlighted the delicate balance between diplomacy and advocacy. It underscored the complexities inherent in international relations, where gestures of goodwill must be weighed against the imperative to uphold fundamental human rights. Whether this visit will be remembered as a catalyst for change or a missed opportunity remains to be seen.
