6 High Profile Leaders Who Visited Kenya In 2023

Several high-profile leaders visited Kenya in 2023, raising the profile of the country around the world.

In this article, we look at six prominent world leaders who jetted into the country in 2023.

King Charles III

King Charles III and Queen Camila visited Kenya on October 31 and were both greeted with a ceremonial welcome at State House where they were honoured with a 21-gun salute at State House.

Their majesties held a series of engagements in Nairobi and Mombasa counties including laying a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Uhuru Gardens and visiting the Mtongwe Naval Base.

The British monarch jetted out of the country on November 3 through Moi International Airport and was seen off by President William Ruto and his Deputy Rigathi Gachagua.

Jill Biden

The US First Lady visited Kenya on February 24 on a three-day visit. During her visit, Dr. Jill together with Mama Rachel Ruto visited the Women for Peace Group in Kibera to experience table banking model.

She also visited the drought-affected communities in Kenya and appealed for wealthy nations to give more as the Horn of Africa suffers its driest conditions in decades.

Dr. Jill left the country on February 26 and was seen off by President Ruto and Mama Rachel Ruto together with other senior government officials.

Germany Chancellor Olaf Scholz

Scholz visited Kenya on May 4 and was welcomed with military honors before holding bilateral talks with President Ruto at State House focusing on economic relations and renewable energy.

The German chancellor also visited the geothermal power plant in Naivasha and the Africa Union (AU) offices before completing his three-day tour to Africa.

 Iran President Ebrahim Rais

President Rais visited Kenya on July 12 for a one-day visit. He was hosted by President William Ruto at State House where the two Heads of State signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the aim of strengthening the bilateral ties between the two nations.

Petr Fiala

The Czech Prime Minister arrived in Kenya on November 6 for a three-day visit.

During his visit, Fiala held bilateral talks with President Ruto at State House and discussions with senior government officials and key members in the trade and business industry.

Julius Malema

The South African opposition politician visited Kenya on November 9 and was received by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro and former EACC boss Patrick Lumumba.

In his visit, Malema attended the launch of the Pan African Institute.

He later met with several politicians from both Kenya Kwanza and Azimio la Umoja coalitions before flying back to South Africa.

Malema caused controversy after he slammed President William Ruto for failing to fulfill his campaign promises to Kenyans.

“I don’t know if President William Ruto means it because he said so many things, and I can’t locate him these days, because the things he said during the election and the things he’s doing now are two different things,” the EFF leader stated.

His remarks angered a section of Kenya Kwanza leaders including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua who said Malema has little knowledge about Kenya.

Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei defended the South African politician saying he was entitled to his opinion even though the Kenyan government disagrees with him.