On April 27, the Netherlands celebrates its national day: King’s Day.
On this day, we celebrate the birthday of King Willem-Alexander, but the meaning of the day is about much more: we celebrate national unity, social cohesion and the togetherness in our society.
My country transforms into a sea of orange, our
national colour.
Just over a month ago, King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima came to Kenya for a State Visit.
In three days, they connected with Kenyans and visited a wide range of Kenyan-Dutch initiatives and collaborations in the areas of politics and security, economy, climate and democracy.
Against the background of the State Visit, King’s Day is extra special for us this year. Extra special, because we are reminded again how much value there is not only in promoting cohesion within our own society, but also in looking outward and connecting with others.
Kenya and the Netherlands have enjoyed over 60 years of strong, bilateral relations.
Ours is a true friendship between nations. We work together on many fronts: the Netherlands is Kenya’s third largest export partner, while also being one of the top 5 foreign investors in Kenya.
We are partners for development, achieving impact in areas such as food and nutrition security, water management and the reception and integration of refugees.
The people-to-people connection is powerful, with countless independent initiatives in sports, culture, business, education, and development.
On top of that, our relationship is becoming more and more strategic, with our top leaders consulting each other on how to deal with national, regional and global challenges.
All of this is important. It’s important because we can only solve global challenges together. Together as countries, together in business, and together as people. I would like to recall the words of my King when he spoke at the State Banquet that H. E. President Ruto hosted on the occasion of the State Visit. The King said that “Kenya has a treasure trove of human capital at its disposal”, and I could not agree with him more.
Kenyans are well-educated, entrepreneurial, tech-savvy, patriotic and most importantly – they care. They care about social development, they care about economic growth, and they care about democratic progress. Having arrived to take up my post in Kenya around nine months ago, these are the qualities that stand out to me when I engage with the people I meet.
These qualities also come with enormous potential, potential that cannot and should not go untapped. Kenyans are ready to work, participate and contribute to their societies.
Continued
investments, cooperation and dialogue are necessary to expand the space for all
Kenyans to be active citizens and contribute positively. For that, the
Netherlands is and will be your partner. Now and in the future.
Henk Jan Bakker is the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Kenya
