Kenya and the Netherlands have continued to enjoy a cordial relationship since 1963.
To enhance relations between Kenya and the Netherlands, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander and Her Majesty Queen Maxima will this week pay a state visit to Kenya.
The first state visit seeks to engage in new partnerships in various areas like innovation and digitalization in agriculture, logistics, healthcare, energy and water. There will be discussions around Dutch initiatives aimed at education and youth employment.
To further strengthen trade relations, the King will be accompanied by representatives of over 50 Dutch companies actively seeking business and investment opportunities in the tourism, trade, security, agriculture and fisheries sectors.
With the Netherlands ranked amongst the top three export trading partners for Kenya and the largest in the European Union, the bilateral meeting and the business forums held during the King's visit should not only discuss the available opportunities but also the challenges frustrating trade between the two countries.
In 2023, Kenya exported $706 million worth of goods to the Netherlands, while the Netherlands exported goods worth $377 million to Kenya, making the European country the top EU destination for Kenyan goods.
Kenya’s main exports to the Netherlands include flowers, horticultural and other agricultural products. The Netherlands on its part exported animal feeds, petroleum oils and telecommunication equipment to Kenya.
In 2013, The Netherlands introduced a new development cooperation with Kenya putting more emphasis on trade and investment rather than the traditional Foreign aid modalities.
This model makes it possible for governments to increase private sector support and embrace a business-like relationship meant to benefit both countries.
By adopting this strategy, the Dutch government was trying to future-proof its relations with Kenya guided by global shifts in recognizing that the private sector becomes the vehicle for development.
In 2024, a delegation of 18 Dutch companies offering innovative healthcare solutions visited Kisumu and Nairobi to explore opportunities that align with the ambitious Universal Health Coverage transition.
This was preceded by the formation of a Joint Trade Committee whose assignment is to improve the business environment, enhance market access and foster deeper economic cooperation between the two nations.
What is in it for Kenya? You might ask. The two key gateways have signed MOUs to support the transportation of fresh produce by sea.
This will revolutionize fresh produce transportation by doubling horticulture exports and hence boost the agriculture sector. This is also likely to create up to 3 million jobs within the horticulture and agro-logistics sector.
Already the Inland Container Depot is working with the Netherlands to make logistical flows of perishables more sustainable.
But even as Kenya welcomes the Dutch, the government must ensure discussions around innovation, the tourism, trade, security, agriculture and fisheries sectors are transparent and open to public scrutiny to ensure Dutch companies comply with local laws and treat workers fairly and also have mechanisms to mitigate or handle anticipated challenges.
The two countries also have a role to play in shaping global dialogue, especially as hosts to key UN bodies.
They have established joint efforts to address security challenges, especially in countering violent extremism which remains a threat to global peace, climate change, food security and unemployment.
Apart from the trade and business forum, His Majesty will also meet young people to discuss Kenya’s future and the state of human rights, good governance and democracy. Kenyans had recently sent the King messages expressing concern about the state of human rights.
A conversation with the youth will perhaps discuss and come up with possible solutions to youth unemployment and other challenges facing young people. The Kenya – Dutch relations can only get back after the much-awaited visit of the Dutch Royals.
