President William Ruto hosted a grand State Banquet in honour of His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Kingdom of the Netherlands at State House, Nairobi, on the evening of Tuesday, March 18.
The State Banquet, hosted by President Ruto and First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto, was attended by an array of guests, including prominent political and business leaders.
Among the notable attendees were former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Equity Group CEO James Mwangi.
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Cabinet Secretaries Mutahi Kagwe (Agriculture), Soipan Tuya (Defence), Deborah Barasa (Health), Eric Muuga (Water), Julius Ogamba (Education) and Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) General Charles Muriu Kahariri were also in attendance.
Others who graced the event were Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Chief Justice Martha Koome, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei, State House Deputy Chief of Staff Josephat Nanok and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja.
Ruto, in his address during the banquet, hailed the Netherlands as one of Kenya’s most valuable European partners, emphasizing the mutual benefits of the newly launched Kenya-Dutch Business Forum.
“This visit by His Majesty King Willem-Alexander signifies a new chapter in our bilateral ties, one that promises economic growth, innovation, and opportunities for our youth,” he said.
King Willem-Alexander, accompanied by Her Majesty Queen Máxima, reciprocated the warm sentiments.
“The Netherlands and Kenya share a vision for sustainable development and prosperity. Tonight, we celebrate not just our past cooperation but our commitment to a shared future,” he remarked.
