Kenya and the Netherlands signed three bilateral agreements on the first day of a three-day state visit by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands.
The King was hosted by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, as the agreements mark a deepening of the long-standing relationship between the two nations, which dates back to 1964.
The signing ceremony pinned a mutual commitment to enhancing trade, agriculture, and tourism, while also reinforcing Kenya’s economic ties with the European Union (EU).
President Ruto hailed the agreements as a ratification of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) signed between Kenya and the EU in December 2023.
The EPA grants Kenyan exports duty-free, quota-free access to EU markets while gradually opening Kenya’s market to EU imports.
Key Agreements Signed at State House include;
- Joint Rate Committee on Trade and Investment
This deal establishes a platform for ongoing dialogue between Kenya’s Ministry of Trade and its Dutch counterpart. The committee will boost trade and investment opportunities and foster economic collaboration between the two nations. - Terms of Reference for Agriculture Working Group
The second agreement lays the groundwork for a cooperative framework to advance agricultural priorities in Kenya. Partnerships under this initiative will focus on innovation and sustainable practices to bolster the country’s agricultural sector. - Tourism Sector Collaboration
The third agreement targets Kenya’s tourism industry, with the Netherlands partnering with Kenya’s Ministry of Tourism to promote tourism in Kenya and attract diverse investments. This move is expected to enhance Kenya’s appeal as a global tourism destination.
“What we have witnessed today ratifies the partnership agreement we signed with the EU earlier,” said President Ruto.
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Investment in Water and Sanitation
Beyond the signed agreements, discussions revealed a forthcoming investment of €3 million from the Netherlands into Kenya’s water and sanitation infrastructure.
This deal, currently outlined as a letter of intent, will see €1.5 million allocated to the development of the Naivasha Special Economic Zone and its sanitation projects.
The remaining €1.5 million will fund the Sabaki bulk water supply initiative in Kilifi County, aimed at ensuring clean and reliable water access.
King Willem-Alexander’s visit continues with a packed itinerary. On Thursday, he is scheduled to meet Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to discuss security, development partnerships, and the strengthening of diplomatic ties.
Following these talks, the King will join President Ruto at Thogoto Forest for a tree-planting exercise, symbolizing both nations’ commitment to environmental sustainability.
Kenya aims to plant 32 billion trees by 2032 as part of its ambitious climate goals.
King Alexander said the agreements and planned investments mark a deepening of the long-standing relationship between the two nations, which dates back to 1964.
