kenya state visit

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• International

The King and Queen will undertake a State Visit to Kenya

King Charles III and Queen Camilla will undertake a State Visit to Kenya, from Tuesday 31st October to Friday 3rd November 2023.

King Charles III and Queen Camilla 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.

The visit is at the invitation of President Ruto and comes as Kenya prepares to celebrate 60 years of independence. His Majesty’s first visit to a Commonwealth nation as King is therefore to the country in which Queen Elizabeth II’s reign began, having acceded to the throne in Kenya in February 1952.

The King and Queen will visit Nairobi City County, Mombasa County and surrounding areas. 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, Their Majesties will meet President Ruto and the First Lady as well as and other members of the Kenyan Government, UN staff, CEOs, faith leaders, young people, future leaders and Kenyan Marines training with UK Royal Marines. The King will also attend an event to celebrate the life and work of the Nobel Laureate the late Professor Wangari Maathai, together with Wangari’s daughter, Wanjira Mathai. 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 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. Together, Their Majesties will tour a new museum dedicated to Kenya’s history and will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Uhuru Gardens, as well as visiting the site of the declaration of Kenya’s independence in 1963.

The King and Queen’s programme also will include:

Their Majesties will be greeted in Nairobi with a ceremonial welcome at State House and will each attend bilateral meetings – The King with The President and The Queen with the First Lady, before The President hosts a State Banquet at State House.

His Majesty will visit the United Nations Office at Nairobi, to learn more about the work of UN Habitat and the UN Environment Programme. UNON is the only UN Headquarters in the Commonwealth.

His Majesty will attend a technology showcase, meeting Kenyan entrepreneurs who are driving forward innovation in the country’s tech sector. Kenya has the third largest start up eco-system in Africa.

His Majesty will host a reception focussed on Kenya’s young people and future leaders across development, trade, media, the creative arts and environmental conservation.

Their Majesties will visit a Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemetery, joining British and Kenyan military personnel in an act of Remembrance, before hearing about the Commission’s recent work to ensure all those who supported Britain’s efforts in both World Wars are commemorated.

The King and Queen will visit Nairobi National Park to witness the vital conservation work being undertaken by the Kenya Wildlife Service, which is integral to Kenya’s thriving tourism industry.

Her Majesty, Patron of the equine welfare charity Brooke, will hear how the charity is working with the Kenya Society for the Protection and Care of Animals to rescue donkeys at risk and promote their welfare.

The King, as Captain General of the Royal Marines, and The Queen, will visit Mtongwe Naval Base in Mombasa. There, Their Majesties will witness Kenyan Marines, trained by the Royal Marines, demonstrating a covert beach landing, showing defence collaboration in action.

The Queen will meet survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, learning how they are supported and sharing her own insights from working in this area.

The King will meet faith leaders from Mombasa’s diverse community, hearing how they are working together to promote harmony amongst the city’s population.

Notes to Editors

Previous visits to kenya.

The King has undertaken three previous official visits to Kenya, in 1971, 1978 and 1987. Both Their Majesties have also previously visited the country privately.

Royal Communications - +44 (0) 20 7930 4832

Share this page

The following links open in a new tab

• Share on Facebook (opens in new tab)
• Share on Twitter (opens in new tab)

Is this page useful?

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

All the Best Photos of King Charles and Queen Camilla's Trip to Kenya

The King and Queen are undertaking a four-day State Visit to the Commonwealth country.

On the first day of his visit, the King made it clear that he does not intend to shy away from addressing this upfront as he began the trip with a keynote speech mentioning the “wrongdoings of the past.” During the banquet, he said, “The wrongdoings of the past are a cause of the greatest sorrow and the deepest regret. There were abhorrent and unjustifiable acts of violence committed against Kenyans as they waged, as you said at the United Nations, a painful struggle for independence and sovereignty—and for that, there can be no excuse. In coming back to Kenya, it matters greatly to me that I should deepen my own understanding of these wrongs, and that I meet some of those whose lives and communities were so grievously affected.”

This was Charles's first visit to a Commonwealth country as monarch (his and Camilla's two state visits thus far have been to Germany and France), and comes as Kenya celebrates 60 years of independence from British colonial rule. Kenya, too, was where Queen Elizabeth II's reign began— she acceded to the throne while at Sagana Lodge with Prince Philip .

Here, see all the best photos of Charles and Camilla's trip to Kenya:

Day 4: November 3, 2023

On their final day in Kenya, King Charles began with a visit to the Mahandry Mosque in Mombasa, where he met Babu Ali Said, chairperson of the Mandhry Mosque Committee.

Queen Camilla, meanwhile, met with charities that work to support survivors of sexual and gender based violence.

Queen Camilla with volunteers and staff from Sauti Ya Wanawake (the voice of women).

It was a rainy final day but that didn't dampen the King's spirits.

The King laughed during an interfaith meeting at Mombasa Memorial Cathedral.

Musicians greeted them at the Fort.

King Charles then toured Fort Jesus, in Mombasa Old Town.

Fort Jesus is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and King Charles spoke with Dr Fatma Twahir, the principal curator.

The King and Queen took a tuk tuk!

Camilla soon joined him, where they learned about the British, Portuguese, and Omani influences on the Fort’s architecture.

And they're off! President Ruto was at the Moi International Airport in Mombasa to see their deprature.

Day 3: November 2, 2023

King Charles and Queen Camilla began their third day with a visit to Mtongwe Naval Base.

They were joined once again by President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto.

Camilla kept cool under a parasol.

They watched the Kenya Marines demonstrate a covert beach landing.

King Charles received a neckerchief and a badge from Kenyan Scouts during a visit to Nyali beach in Mombasa.

He met with community elders on the beach.

He looked deep in conversation.

After, the King visited Kuruwitu Conservation Area in Kilifi.

Long an advocate for sustainability, he planted young coral into an artificial reef.

Emily Burack (she/her) is the Senior News Editor for Town & Country, where she covers entertainment, culture, the royals, and a range of other subjects. Before joining T&C, she was the deputy managing editor at Hey Alma , a Jewish culture site. Follow her @emburack on Twitter and Instagram .

@media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;-webkit-transform:scale(-1, 1);-moz-transform:scale(-1, 1);-ms-transform:scale(-1, 1);transform:scale(-1, 1);background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-1jdielu:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1jdielu:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}} Royal Family News @media(min-width: 40.625rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0.625rem 0.625rem 0;width:3.5rem;-webkit-filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);filter:invert(17%) sepia(72%) saturate(710%) hue-rotate(181deg) brightness(97%) contrast(97%);height:1.5rem;content:'';display:inline-block;background-repeat:no-repeat;}.loaded .css-128xfoy:before{background-image:url(/_assets/design-tokens/townandcountrymag/static/images/diamond-header-design-element.80fb60e.svg);}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-128xfoy:before{margin:0 0.625rem 0.25rem;}}

Prince Harry Offers Rare Peek Into His Cali Home

A Rare Interview with a Royal Aide

16 Royal-Loved Menswear Brands to Shop

The Shoe Brands the Royal Family Loves

King Frederik on Børsen Fire: "A Sad Sight"

Princess Märtha Louise to Marry American Shaman

Queen Margrethe's Life in Photos

Meghan's First American Riviera Orchard Product

40 Vintage Photos of Royals as Teenagers

Meghan Markle Looked Elegant at a Charity Dinner

Sam McAlister Cried at Billie Piper’s Performance

Welcome to Africanews

Please select your experience

• Science & Technology
• Coronavirus

Breaking News

King Charles III lands in Kenya for a state visit

 King Charles III is in Kenya for a four-day trip, his first state visit to a Commonwealth country as king, underscoring his commitment to an organization that's been central to Britain’s global power and prestige since World War II.

It's also a visit that's full of symbolism as Charles’ mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, learned that she had become U.K. monarch while visiting a game preserve in the East African nation in 1952.

The king and Queen Camilla touched down at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport late on Monday. The royal couple was received by Kenya's Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi and British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan.

On Tuesday morning, a ceremonial welcome by Kenyan President William Ruto is planned at State House.

During the visit, Charles will acknowledge the “painful aspects” of his nation’s shared history with Kenya, which celebrates the 60th anniversary of its independence from the United Kingdom this year. The two countries have enjoyed a close relationship since independence, despite the prolonged struggle against colonial rule, sometimes known as the Mau Mau Rebellion, in which thousands of Kenyans died.

Colonial authorities resorted to executions and detention without trial as they tried to put down the insurrection, and thousands of Kenyans said they were beaten and sexually assaulted by agents of the administration.

The British High Commission said Charles would “meet veterans and give his blessing to efforts by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to ensure Kenyans and Africans who supported British efforts in the World Wars are properly commemorated.”

Tuesday morning traffic was a bit slow on major roads towards the central business district. The governor in charge of Kenya's capital of Nairobi, Johnson Sakaja, had told residents on Monday to expect “mild” traffic disruptions while the king is in town.

Charles also plans to visit Nairobi National Park and meet with environmental activist Wanjira Mathai, the daughter of late Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai, as he underscores his commitment to environmental protection.

The U.K. royal family has long ties to Africa. In 1947, the future queen pledged lifelong service to Britain and the Commonwealth during a speech from South Africa on her 21st birthday. Five years later, Elizabeth and her late husband Prince Philip were visiting Aberdare National Park in Kenya when they learned that her father had died and she had become queen.

Additional sources • AP

You may also like

Muslim child beaten for allegedly attending church prayers

UK police arrest three of migrants' deaths in Channel

Sexual violence in conflict increased by 50% in 2023, says UN

From the same country.

Kenya bans use of plastic bags for organic waste

More rain forecast for Kenya as flooding wreaks havoc

Heavy rains and floods paralyze Nairobi, death toll rises in Kenya

On the same subject.

Pics of the day: April 23, 2024

London Marathon: Women's-only world record, Kenyan double victory

Kenya: Climate activists march against fossil fuel industry

London Marathon to honour late Kenyan athlete Kelvin Kiptum

Pics of the day: April 18, 2024

Kenya’s military chief dies in a helicopter crash, Nairobi declares three days of national mourning

More stories, united kingdom, united nations.

All the pictures from the Kenyan Royal State Visit: President Ruto receives King Charles and Queen Camilla at State House Nairobi on day one

By Isaac Zamet

King Charles and Queen Camilla were received by President Dr. William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto

King Charles III and Camilla, Queen Consort, have arrived in Kenya to begin a five-day state visit. This represents the first royal visit to a Commonwealth country since Charles ascended the throne following earlier visits to France and Germany.

The visit is timed to coincide with the 60th anniversary celebrations of Kenyan independence, which was declared in 1963. The two nations have shared largely warm relations since then and are now key economic partners, with two-way trade of over £1.2bn a year.

The couple departed from RAF Brize Norton in an airforce jet part-powered by sustainable jet fuel (SAF), a low-carbon biofuel with similar properties to conventional aviation fuel. This will be seen as a symbolic statement of the King’s environmentalist credentials.

The five-day visit will examine the history, as well as the UK’s often troubled relationship with the country where Princess Elizabeth acceded the throne following the death of her father

By Ollie Macnaughton

King Charles is greeted by President of the Republic of Kenya, William Ruto, and the First Lady of the Republic of Kenya, Rachel Ruto as they arrive for a visit to Uhuru Gardens on October 31 in Nairobi

They were filmed aboard the jet on Royal social media channels, enjoying cups of tea and reviewing their packed schedules for the trip. Their arrival was a relatively routine one, almost entirely without fanfare. The pomp was saved for the couple’s entry to State House in Nairobi. Here, they were welcomed by President, Dr. William Ruto and First Lady, Rachel Ruto amid plenty of ceremony.

Queen Camilla speaks with a founder of Book Bunk, a Kenyan charity that restores public libraries during her visit to Eastlands Library, with King Charles, on October 31 in Nairobi

The King stood on a dais and received a royal 21-gun salute, before being greeted by grandees of the Kenyan armed forces. The couples subsequently separated, with the President and King holding a bilateral meeting and the First Lady hosting a separate one with the queen. ‘Themes of common interest’ were discussed at both.

King Charles III inspects the Guard of Honour at the Ceremonial Welcome at State House on October 31, 2023 in Nairobi

The next part of the tour involved visits to the Uhuru National Monument and Museum, important cultural landmarks dedicated to Kenya’s history. Accompanied by President Ruto, the King laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Uhuru Gardens. While laying the wreath, he paused and closed his eyes in what was clearly a moment of powerful contemplation.

Afterwards, Charles and Camilla proceeded past the house of Jomo Kenyatta, first president of Kenya and on to the Mūgomo Fig Tree. This tree is a site of special symbolic power in Kenya: it is known as the place where Kenya’s independence was officially declared. On this spot, the Union Jack flag was lowered and the Kenyan flag raised in December of 1963.

By Sam Montgomery

King Charles was received by grandees of the Kenyan armed forces

Other symbolic moments brought the sacrifices of Kenya’s recent history to the fore. The King and Queen acknowledged statues of Mekatilili wa Menza and Dedan Kimathi, who fought for Kenyan independence, before walking through the Hall of Witness and the Tunnel of Martyrs. These landmarks memorialise Kenyans who have lost their lives throughout the nation’s history.

As they went on into the museum at Uhuru, they were joined by local school children to view documents exhibiting Kenya’s history and events leading to the country’s independence.

King Charles III visits City Shamba, an urban farming project on October 31, 2023 in Nairobi, Kenya

Britain’s colonial past in Kenya will remain at the forefront of the visit as calls grow for Charles to issue an apology for historic wrongdoings. One of the most significant and painful chapters of British history in Kenya was its suppression of the Mau Mau rebellion, beginning in 1952. Nearly 10,000 Kenyans were killed in the brutal British reaction and many tortured in the ensuing years.

In 2013, Britain expressed regret for these actions and paid out £20m to more than 5,000 Kenyans. Given that the King is in Kenya at the request of the British government, it is likely he will follow the government line by stopping short of a full apology.

King Charles and Queen Camilla smile as they arrive for their separate engagements inside Eastlands Library, where the King will join young people taking part in a Prince's Trust International

Palace sources say, however, that the King ‘will be mindful of expressing deep sorrow’. His deputy Private Secretary, Chris Fitzgerald has said, ‘His Majesty will take time during the visit to deepen his understanding of the wrongs suffered in this period by the people of Kenya’.

On Tuesday evening, the King will attend a state dinner, which will see him deliver a keynote speech. Onlookers expect him to address Britain’s colonial past in Kenya and express deep sorrow and regret – but stop short of a full apology.

In any case, the visit is clearly designed in most part to look to the future, aiming to bolster the warm ties between Kenya and the UK. Officials from both countries have been keen to emphasise that trip as an opportunity to look to the future and forge a ‘strong and dynamic partnership’.

King Charles poses for pictures with young people that are taking part in a Prince's Trust International Enterprise Challenge on October 31 in Nairobi, Kenya

Looking to the future, Charles will attend a technology showcase, meeting Kenyan entrepreneurs who are driving forward innovation in the country’s tech sector. He will also host a reception, focused on Kenya’s young people. This aims to bring together future leaders across development, trade, media, the arts and environmental conservation. Unsurprisingly, conservation will be a major theme across the trip, with several other environmental engagements planned, such as a visit to Nairobi National Park to witness vital conservation work being undertaken there.

Charles remains a largely popular figure in Kenya and the country is certainly also a special destination for him. No doubt the visit will also evoke poignant memories for Charles of his late mother, who learned in Kenya that she would become Queen, aged 25 in February 1952. Charles was pictured looking emotional as he contemplated a picture of the late Queen on Monday.

King Charles wraps up Kenya visit marked by questions over colonial past

• Medium Text

Sign up here.

Reporting by Hereward Holland; Additional reporting by Nuzulack Dausen; Editing by Aaron Ross, Nick Macfie and Mark Heinrich

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. New Tab , opens new tab

Nigeria has revoked 924 dormant mining titles immediately and invites investors to freely apply for the affected licences which will be offered on a "first come, first served" basis, its minister of mines said on Wednesday.

Egypt approved establishing a special free zone and international touristic port in the Ras al-Hikma peninsula, west of Alexandria, a cabinet statement said on Wednesday.

World Chevron

Turkey on Wednesday accused the United States of having a policy of double standards on human rights, saying Washington's annual rights report failed to reflect Israel's assaults in Gaza.

• Election 2024
• Entertainment
• Newsletters
• Photography
• Personal Finance
• AP Investigations
• AP Buyline Personal Finance
• AP Buyline Shopping
• Press Releases
• Israel-Hamas War
• Russia-Ukraine War
• Global elections
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East
• Election Results
• Delegate Tracker
• AP & Elections
• Auto Racing
• 2024 Paris Olympic Games
• Movie reviews
• Book reviews
• Personal finance
• Financial Markets
• Business Highlights
• Financial wellness
• Artificial Intelligence
• Social Media

King Charles III seeks to look ahead in a visit to Kenya. But he’ll have history to contend with

FILE - Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla view part of the Royal Collection relating to the Royal family’s connection to Kenya, during a reception for the Kenyan diaspora in the UK at Buckingham Palace, central London, Oct. 24, 2023. King Charles III wants to look to the future when his four-day state visit to Kenya starts on Tuesday Oct. 31, 2023. But first he will have to confront the past. (Aaron Chown/Pool via AP, file)

FILE - A view of a matatu adorned with photos of Britain’s King Charles III and Queen Camilla ahead of their state visit to Kenya, in Nairobi, Kenya, Oct. 27, 2023. King Charles III wants to look to the future when his four-day state visit to Kenya starts on Tuesday Oct. 31, 2023. But first he will have to confront the past. (AP Photo/Khalil Senosi, file)

• Copy Link copied

LONDON (AP) — King Charles III wants to look to the future when his state visit to Kenya starts on Tuesday. But first he will have to confront the past.

As Charles prepares for the four-day trip to Kenya , he is facing calls to address the legacy of eight decades of British colonial rule, as well as complaints that foreigners still own large swaths of rich farmland, and that the U.K. has failed to accept responsibility for the crimes of British soldiers stationed in Kenya.

The trip will also be closely watched around the world, because it’s the king’s first state visit to an African nation and his first to a Commonwealth member since he ascended the throne last year. It comes at a time when the U.K. and the royal family is under pressure to reexamine the history of colonialism and apologize for its role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade .

Behind the history and symbolism, Britain is keen to buttress its modern relationship with Kenya, which includes cooperation on counterterrorism and efforts to boost trade that totals more than 1.1 billion pounds ($1.3 billion) a year. Charles will underscore his commitment to environmental protection with visits to a national park to see vital conservation work undertaken by the Kenyan Wildlife Service.

The king has already shown a willingness to address difficult issues, opening the royal archives to researchers studying the monarchy’s links to the slave trade. Before assuming the throne, he acknowledged the “appalling atrocity of slavery” during a speech on the Caribbean island of Barbados .

“History never disappears,’' said Nick Westcott, a professor of diplomacy at SOAS University of London and a former director of the Royal African Society. “I think that’s how he sees it genuinely himself — that we shouldn’t paper over the past, pretending what didn’t happen, that you have to face up to it. But then the objective is to look at the future.”

Charles, the U.K.’s head of state, travels abroad at the request of the U.K. government and only when he’s been invited by the host country. The hope is that the glamour and goodwill generated by a visit from one of the most well-known men on Earth will strengthen the ties between Britain and Kenya.

Kenyan President William Ruto invited Charles and Queen Camilla for the visit beginning in Nairobi on Tuesday.

In the age of colonialism, Kenya was one of the jewels of the British Empire. It was the starting point for an ambitious railway project linking the Indian Ocean coast with the African interior, and the destination for thousands of white settlers who built coffee and tea plantations.

But the colonial administration also replaced Black leaders, pushed local people off their land and imposed crippling taxes.

That set the stage for the Mau Mau Rebellion of the 1950s, which hastened the end of colonial rule, but continues to cloud relations between the U.K. and Kenya. Colonial authorities resorted to executions and detention without trial as they tried to put down the insurrection, and thousands of Kenyans said they were beaten and sexually assaulted by agents of the administration.

In 2013, the U.K. government condemned the “torture and ill-treatment” that took place during the rebellion as it announced a 19.9 million-pound settlement with more than 5,000 victims

Kenya became independent in 1963, but the country has maintained close, if sometimes troubled, ties with the U.K.

“His Majesty will take time during the visit to deepen his understanding of the wrongs suffered in this period by the people of Kenya,’’ Chris Fitzgerald, deputy private secretary to the king, told reporters before the trip.

Charles and Queen Camilla plan to tour a new museum dedicated to Kenyan history, visit the site where Kenya declared its independence and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior in Uhuru Gardens.

For the U.K. and allies like the United States, Kenya is a strategically important hub of relative stability and democracy in East Africa, as they combat the threat from Islamic extremists based primarily in neighboring Somalia.

Two years ago, the U.K. and Kenya signed an economic pact designed to boost trade and investment between the two countries and renewed a defense agreement that underpins cooperation on counterterrorism efforts and allows British soldiers to train in Kenya.

But some among a new generation of Kenyans question what links, if any, their country should have with its former colonial power, which left behind not only memories of brutality, but also colonial-era laws, such as the ban of gay sex, that continue to influence attitudes.

The Rift Valley of western Kenya remains a flashpoint for concerns about land ownership, because most of the fertile region’s tea and pineapple farms are owned by foreigners.

Veteran politician and human rights activist Koigi Wamwere says the continued ownership of huge parcels by British citizens while local people have no land is an “injustice that should be corrected.”

Kenya and the U.K. “cannot move forward until they apologize, offer reparations and return the land they stole,’’ he said.

Charles’ visit is also likely to reignite tensions over defense cooperation.

Dozens of people are gearing up to protest what they describe as crimes committed by British forces stationed in Kenya. In the highlands of Laikipia and Nanyuki, east of Nairobi, many in the local community are demanding compensation for a fire allegedly started by British soldiers in 2021.

Local attorney Kelvin Kubai told The Associated Press that more than 100 of the 7,000 victims who were affected have died without compensation.

“The people feel that the buck stops with the king, " Kubai said. “They also feel that as long as he owes an apology (for) the past colonial deeds, he also owes a responsibility to the present atrocities being committed by his forces here in Nanyuki and Laikipia.’’

The unsolved murder of Agnes Wanjiru, who disappeared near a British base in Kenya 11 years ago, is another issue that is likely to surface during the visit.

While a former British soldier is the prime suspect in the case, authorities have yet to charge anyone.

Wanjiru’s family told the AP that they had hoped the U.K. government would contact them about the case, but so far they have heard nothing.

“Numerous dignitaries from the U.K. have visited Kenya, promising to meet our family, but failing to do so,” said Wanjiru’s sister Rose. “They only make those commitments to the media and never honor them.”

With a growing number of people of African origin now living in the U.K. making a connection with the people of Kenya is important to Charles, Westcott said.

“They are an integral part of what Britain is today — and the king is acknowledging that in making this one of his priority visits,’’ he said. “It is not just Kenya he’s visiting. It is Africa.”

Evelyne Musambi reported from Nairobi, Kenya.

President Biden to Host Kenyan President Ruto at the White House in Upcoming State Visit

A s part of a historic state visit that is to occur in May, President Joe Biden has extended an invitation to Kenyan President William Ruto to visit the White House. This visit takes on additional significance as it also commemorates the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the United States and Kenya.

The White House’s press secretary, Karine Jean-Pierre, shared that the meeting scheduled for May 23 will serve as a celebration of the enduring partnership between the two nations. The state visit aims to underscore a strategic alliance with Kenya, highlighting goals related to peace, security, economic growth, as well as defending democratic ideals.

The announcement of Ruto’s visit follows news that Kenya and Haiti are collaborating to establish a Kenyan police presence in Haiti. Discussions and agreements are in progress, reflecting a broader commitment to international cooperation and security.

The forthcoming state visit is about more than bilateral ties; it speaks to a vision that African leadership must be pivotal in managing global challenges. The U.S. anticipates that the visit will strengthen various facets of cooperation with Kenya, including economic, technological, climate, health, and security issues.

Although Biden did not fulfill his promise to tour Africa last year, this upcoming event symbolizes a recognition of the continent’s potential. The President’s and the Kenyan first lady Rachel Ruto’s presence will be honored at a dinner hosted by President and First Lady Jill Biden.

The last state dinner in the White House recognized Australia as a close ally of the U.S., even as pressing international matters demanded the attention of the President. Biden’s commitment to a deeper relationship with African nations was signaled by his plan to visit sub-Saharan Africa, though the trip has yet to take place due to other obligations. Despite these setbacks, Biden continues to emphasize the importance of partnerships and investments with African nations in these dynamic times.

At the recent Munich Security Conference, Vice President Kamala Harris also highlighted a paradigm shift in U.S.–Africa relations. Emphasizing the youthful demographic and developing potential of the African continent, Harris called for innovative partnerships that transcend traditional aid models, seeking mutual opportunities for growth and collaboration.

When is President Kenyan President William Ruto’s state visit to the White House scheduled?

The visit is scheduled for May 23.

What is the significance of President Ruto’s visit?

The visit marks the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Kenya and aims to strengthen strategic partnerships and cooperation between the two countries.

What did Vice President Kamala Harris say about the U.S.-Africa relationship?

At the Munich Security Conference, Vice President Harris emphasized a new approach to the relationship with African nations, focusing on partnership and investment rather than traditional aid.

Has President Biden visited Africa during his presidency?

No, although he expressed an intention to visit sub-Saharan Africa, the trip has not yet occurred due to other presidential commitments.

The scheduled state visit of Kenyan President William Ruto signifies a pivotal moment in U.S.-Kenya relations and reflects the Biden administration’s broader commitment to forging strong partnerships with African nations. It serves as a reaffirmation of the strategic ties that have bolstered the bonds between the countries for six decades, encompassing aspects vital to peace, security, and mutual growth.

Update April 12, 2024

Information for u.s. citizens in the middle east.

• Travel Advisories |
• Contact Us |
• MyTravelGov |

Find U.S. Embassies & Consulates

Travel.state.gov, congressional liaison, special issuance agency, u.s. passports, international travel, intercountry adoption, international parental child abduction, records and authentications, popular links, travel advisories, mytravelgov, stay connected, legal resources, legal information, info for u.s. law enforcement, replace or certify documents.

Share this page:

Kenya Travel Advisory

Travel advisory july 31, 2023, kenya - level 2: exercise increased caution.

Reissued with obsolete COVID-19 page links removed.

Exercise increased caution in Kenya due to  crime, terrorism, civil unrest, and kidnapping .  Some areas have increased risk.  Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Do Not Travel to: Kenya-Somalia border counties and some coastal areas, due to terrorism and kidnapping .

Areas of Turkana County, due to crime .

Reconsider Travel to: Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera, due to crime and kidnapping .

Certain areas of Laikipia County, due to criminal incursions and security operations , reconsider travel through Nyahururu, Laikipia West, and Laikipia North Sub-counties.

Country Summary :  Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time.  Local police often lack the capability to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents and terrorist attacks.  Emergency medical and fire service is also limited. Be especially careful when traveling after dark anywhere in Kenya due to crime.

Terrorist attacks have occurred with little or no warning, targeting Kenyan and foreign government facilities, tourist locations, transportation hubs, hotels, resorts, markets/shopping malls, and places of worship. Terrorist acts have included armed assaults, suicide operations, bomb/grenade attacks, and kidnappings.

Demonstrations may occur, blocking key intersections and resulting in widespread traffic jams.  Strikes and other protest activity related to political and economic conditions occur regularly, particularly in periods near elections.  Violence associated with demonstrations, ranging from rock throwing to police using deadly force, occurs around the country; it is mostly notable in western Kenya and Nairobi.

Due to risks to civil aviation operating in the vicinity of the Kenyan-Somali border, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM).  For more information, U.S. citizens should consult  Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notice .

Some schools and other facilities acting as cultural rehabilitation centers are operating in Kenya with inadequate or nonexistent licensing and oversight.  Reports of minors and young adults being held in these facilities against their will and physically abused are common.

Read the  country information page  for additional information about travel to Kenya.

If you decide to travel to Kenya:

• Stay alert in locations frequented by Westerners.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Monitor local media for breaking events and be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Make contingency plans to leave the country. in case of an emergency Review the  Traveler’s Checklist ..
• Always carry a copy of your U.S. passport and visa (if applicable).  Keep original documents in a secure location.
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  for Kenya.
• Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Specified Areas - Level 4: Do Not Travel U.S. government personnel are prohibited from traveling to the below areas.

Kenya-Somalia Border Counties:

• Mandera due to kidnapping and terrorism.
• Wajir due to kidnapping and terrorism.
• Garissa due to kidnapping and terrorism.

Coastal Areas:

• Tana River county due to kidnapping and terrorism.
• Lamu county due to kidnapping and terrorism.
• Areas of Kilifi County north of Malindi due to kidnapping and terrorism.

Turkana County:

• Road from Kainuk to Lodwar due to crime and armed robbery, which occur frequently.

Specified Areas - Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Nairobi neighborhoods of Eastleigh and Kibera:

• Violent crime, such as armed carjacking, mugging, home invasion, and kidnapping, can occur at any time.  Street crime can involve multiple armed assailants.  Local police often lack the resources and training to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.

Laikipia County:

• Certain areas of Laikipia County, due to criminal incursions and security operations, reconsider travel through Nyahururu, Laikipia West, and Laikipia North Sub-counties.

Consider carefully whether to use the Likoni ferry in Mombasa due to safety concerns.

Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas.

Travel Advisory Levels

Assistance for u.s. citizens, search for travel advisories, external link.

You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State.

Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message.

You are about to visit:

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

King Charles and Queen Camilla View a Piece of Queen Elizabeth's Royal History Before State Visit to Kenya

Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip were visiting Kenya when her father, King George VI, died — making her the new monarch

Janine Henni is a Royals Staff Writer for PEOPLE Digital, covering modern monarchies and the world's most famous families. Like Queen Elizabeth, she loves horses and a great tiara moment.

Aaron Chown - WPA Pool/Getty

King Charles and Queen Camilla are looking back at Queen Elizabeth ’s special connection to Kenya before their state visit next week.

On Tuesday, the royal couple welcomed the Kenyan diaspora to Buckingham Palace for a reception celebrating the relationship between the countries and the future ahead. King Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 76, chatted with professionals from business, media, charity, art, sports, government and the military, plus representatives from their patronages in Kenya.

The African country is uniquely part of Queen Elizabeth’s accession story and modern royal history. Charles’ mother was on a Commonwealth tour there in 1952 when she learned that her father, King George VI, died in his sleep, making her monarch of the United Kingdom and its related realms at age 25.

During the festive reception, King Charles and Queen Camilla checked out a display table of items from the Royal Collection Trust relating to the British royal family’s connection to Kenya, including photos of then-Princess Elizabeth and Prince Philip ’s visit before her accession and a copy of the speech Prince Philip made when Kenya became independent in 1963. According to Rebecca English of the Daily Mail , King Charles was especially struck by one piece in particular. 

“Sweet moment as The King reminisces over a photograph of Treetops, the iconic Kenyan hideaway where his late mother became Queen,” the royal reporter wrote on X , posting footage of the sovereign’s stop with Queen Camilla.

In January 1952, the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh (as Philip and Elizabeth were then known!) embarked on a Commonwealth tour of Africa, Australia and New Zealand on behalf of King George VI, who had lung cancer and was recovering from surgery. After greeting enthusiastic crowds in Nairobi, Kenya, the young couple set off on a five-day wildlife safari and arrived at Treetops safari lodge on February 5, where they observed animals at the nearby watering hole and stayed in the treehouse perched in an enormous fig tree in Aberdare National Park.

Keystone/Hulton Archive/Getty

The following day, the party received a telegram that the King died in his sleep at age 56. It was Prince Philip who broke the news to his wife in the gardens.

The new sovereign’s armed escort Jim Corbett famously wrote in the Treetops logbook: "For the first time in the history of the world, a young girl climbed into the tree as a princess and climbed down as a queen."

The Duke of Edinburgh’s cousin Lady Pamela Hicks, a bridesmaid at his wedding to Princess Elizabeth, was a witness to history during the fateful trip.

"My mother remembered very clearly that when she heard the news, she paced up and down, up and down with Philip and the ladies-in-waiting and the private secretary," Lady Pamela's daughter India Hicks previously told PEOPLE .

"Finally when the Queen had gathered herself, she said, 'I'm so sorry, but we are going to have to go back to England,' " said Hicks. "That was so indicative of the Queen that she would have apologized for something like that. They all said, 'Don't be ridiculous.' "

"My mother gave her a hug and suddenly remembered, 'This is my Queen,' and dropped into a deep curtsy,” she added. Queen Elizabeth, who went on to have a historic 70-year reign, was formally crowned a little more than a year later on June 2, 1953.

Years later, Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip revisited Treetops in November 1983 during a 16-day official state tour of Kenya, Bangladesh and India.

The historic safari lodge closed in 2021 after tourist revenue dropped 90% in Kenya due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Kenya Wildlife Service said at the time. The lodge had not hosted a visitor for more than a year, Kenya's tourism ministry confirmed to The Times .

Two weeks ago, Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles and Queen Camilla would travel to Kenya from October 31 to November 3. The visit marks the couple’s first state visit to a Commonwealth country since Charles became King following the death of his mother Queen Elizabeth at age 96 last September.

Can't get enough of PEOPLE's Royals coverage? Sign up for our free Royals newsletter to get the latest updates on Kate Middleton, Meghan Markle and more!

While the state visit was coordinated by the invitation of President William Ruto and comes as Kenya prepares to celebrate 60 years of independence, the royals will also “acknowledge the more painful aspects of the U.K. and Kenya’s shared history,” Buckingham Palace said in a statement.

Between then and 1960, an uprising known as The Emergency took place. Led mostly by the Kikuyu people, the Mau Mau rebellion against British colonial rule and internal Kenyan opposition to independence led to tens of thousands of deaths. An estimated 11,000 Mau Mau rebels and others were killed, according to the BBC , but unofficial figures put the losses at much greater numbers. Some estimates say there were as many as 90,000 Kenyans executed, while more than 150,000 were detained.

“His Majesty will take time during the visit to deepen his understanding of the wrongs suffered in this period by the people of Kenya. Together, Their Majesties will tour a new museum dedicated to Kenya’s history and will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Uhuru Gardens, as well as visiting the site of the declaration of Kenya’s independence in 1963,” the palace said as they confirmed the trip.

King Charles and Queen Camilla’s state visit to Kenya will come roughly two months after their mini-tour to France , which had been postponed since March amid unrest over changes in pensions for French workers.

Chris Jackson/Getty

Related Articles

Search the United Nations

Concept note.

• Conference Narrative

Conference FAQs

• Planning Committee
• Summit of the Future
• Past Conferences

Provisional Programme

• Media Accreditation

Conference Branding

• Our Common Agenda
• Pre-conference Events
• Participant's Handbook
• Summit of the Future Call to Participate
• Call for ImPACT Coalitions
• ImPACT Coalitions FAQ

The 2024 UN Civil Society Confernce in Nairobi

2024_un_csc_horizontal_datevs2.png.

Join us at the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi.

A MUST visit when in Nairobi! We offer guided tours through the African Headquarters of the United Nations. Located inside the ample UN complex next to Nairobi’s Karura Forest, the United Nations Visitors Service conveys information about the history, structure and important work of the UN. We explain the work of the different UN agencies located in the complex such as the UN Environment Programme and the Human Settlements Programme which are headquartered in Nairobi. Everyone interested in learning more about the UN is welcome to join us on a tour. In addition, we offer special educational programmes for schools, universities and other group bookings. We are looking forward to hosting you.

The United Nations Civil Society Conference is the premier event on the civil society calendar at the United Nations. The Conference offers civil society organizations an opportunity to put a global perspective on a specific issue and brings together senior UN System officials, prominent international civil society organizations, youth changemakers, academia, public opinion makers, and international media to discuss issues of global concern. This international forum, expected to host some 1500 participants, will provide preliminary discussions and data ahead of the Summit of the Future in September 2024 at the UN Headquarters in New York.

Since 1947, sixty-eight civil society conferences have resulted in successful outcomes due to previous interactions with civil society organizations.

Book a tour

“Civil society organizations were present in San Francisco at the founding of the United Nations and have been an integral part of the United Nations ecosystem from the outset. As part of our consultations, civil society has called for better engagement with the United Nations system. I believe that it is essential for the United Nations to listen to, coordinate with, and engage with civil society.”

Our Common Agenda. Chapter V. Paragraph 121

Email us to book a tour: [email protected]

Conference Hours:

May 9 th and 10 th , from 8 AM to 17:30 PM

Our normal business hours are:

Getting here

The Conference is located at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) UN Avenue, Gigiri, Nairobi

The Participant's Handbook is a comprehensive guide to attending the conference.

Announcements

Civil society plays a fundamental role in shaping a future that, today more than ever, needs multilateral approaches to ensure an inclusive, sustainable, and safe society for all. Since 1947, sixty-eight UN-supported civil society conferences have resulted in successful outcomes. As a result of previous interactions with civil society organizations, we now look forward to the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference in Support of the Summit of the Future to be held in Nairobi on 9- 10 May. Read more...

UN Civil Society Conference in Support of the Summit of the Future daily schedule...

Call For ImPACT Coalitions

The Summit of the Future will take place 22-23 September in UNHQ New York, and is seen as an important moment to mend eroded trust and demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively tackle current challenges as well as those that have emerged in recent years or may be yet over the horizon. Read more...

Message by the #2024UNCSC co-chairs from the UN Office in Nairobi

A message from the UN Office in Nairobi, the host of the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference. Maher Nasser, Chair of the Conference, along with Co-Chairs of the planning committee Carole Ageng'o and Nudhara Yusuf share their commitments for the UN Civil Society Conference. #WeCommit

Every year, thousands of visitors enter the United Nations Office at Nairobi to see firsthand the important work of the UN. Join us on a scenic and informative walk through the African Headquarters of the United Nations.

Meet our Guides

Conference planning co-chairs:.

Maher Nasser,  Director of Outreach in the United Nations Department of Global Communications

“The Department of Global Communications is very proud to be part of the planning and organizing of the 2024 UN Civil Society Conference in Nairobi, the 69 th  since the Department’s creation and one that is receiving immense interest from civil society and other stakeholders, including from government representatives. This is the first of our civil society conferences to be held Africa and we are very grateful to the Government and civil society organizations in Kenya who have welcomed us with open arms and to our colleagues at the UN Office in Nairobi who will be hosting us in their beautiful campus sandwiched between Gigiri district and Karura Forest. As Co-Chair of the Planning Committee, my focus, and that of my colleagues in the Department, is to ensure the success of the Conference under the able leadership of Co-Chairs Carole Ageng’o and Nudhara Yusuf who are supported by a diverse and impressive civil society representatives from all around the world. The Conference comes at a critical point in the preparations for the Summit of the Future, a Summit that is billed as a major step towards a more inclusive and networked multilateralism providing multilateral solutions for a better tomorrow.”

Carole Ageng'o, Global Initiatives Lead & Africa Regional Representative at HelpAge International

"That civil society engagement remains a critical cog in the wheel of development, is well established. Greater collaboration between civil society organizations, governments and private sector can therefore not be more urgent at this time as we gear up for the Summit of the Future.  I look forward to a fruitful and effective partnership with my Co-Chair Nudhara Yusuf in putting together, and delivering (producing) a successful UNSSC to fully anchor civil society participation in the subsequent processes leading up to and including the Summit of the Future. Indeed, civil society participation will contribute greatly towards meeting the aspiration of “an international system – that is better prepared to manage the challenges we face now and, in the future, for the sake of all humanity and for future generations."

Nudhara Yusuf, GGIN Executive Coordinator at Stimson Center

"The Summit of the Future, above all, is a call to rethink the way things have always been done. I believe, along with my Co-Chair Carole, and many other civil society leaders, that Nairobi could and should be a moment for civil society to show, not just call for, process innovation; how civil society engages with intergovernmental processes. Come May 2024, we should have a clearer picture of what a Pact for the Future is likely to constitute, while the Nairobi moment would look to meaningfully feed civil society perspectives into the process, we hope it will also be a place to start the critical multistakeholder conversation about how to land the Pact for the Future. We hope we can capitalize on the multistakeholder and intergenerational convening to build ImPACT Coalitions of Member States, civil society, and UN and other entities, who will help take forth key issue areas and reforms. We hope the Nairobi moment will be a civil society hosted space to move the international community from language to an action oriented networked and inclusive multilateralism.”

Meet the Planning Sub-Committees Co-Chairs

Visitor Centre New York

Sign up for our newsletter.

Visitor Centre Vienna

Summit of the future.

Visitor Centre Geneva

United nations.

• United Nations Main Bodies
• United Nations Office in Nairobi
• Visit the UN Headquarters in Africa
• UN Environment Programme
• Africa Renewal
• The Essential UN
• UN Basic Facts

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT

• Youth Envoy
• DGC CSU Youth Program
• UNESCO Youth Power
• Urban Youth Fund
• Youth and Education Alliance
• Learn About The SDGs
• UN Academic Impact

GET INVOLVED

• 17 Goals To Transform Our World
• Be The Change Toolkit
• The Lazy Person’s Guide to Saving the World

ATTEND #2024UNCSC

• Civil Society Registration
• Member State Registration