Kenya was privileged to host some high-profile foreign dignitaries in 2023.
From King Charles III to America’s First Lady Jill Biden, here are some of the global dignitaries who visited the country.
Jill Biden
First Lady of the United States (US) Jill Biden visited Kenya in February this year.
During her visit to Kenya, Jill met President William Ruto, First Lady Rachel Ruto, Prime Cabinet Secretary (CS) Musalia Mudavadi and other government officials at State House, Nairobi.
The purpose of her three-day State visit was to hold talks in a bid to strengthen American partnerships with Kenya and the African continent and champion women’s economic empowerment projects.
She also held talks on the drought situation in Kenya.
At the time, the First Lady also visited Namibia where she held talks with Namibia’s President Hage Geingob and First Lady Monica Geingos.
King Charles III
On October 30, 2023, King Charles III and his wife Camilla visited Kenya for a four-day trip.
The King who had undertaken three previous official visits to Kenya in 1971, 1978 and 1987, toured the country this year to celebrate the warm relationship and strong dynamic partnership shared by Kenya and the United Kingdom (UK).
During his visit, the King met President William Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto. He also met the UN staff, CEOs, future leaders, faith leaders, and Kenyan Marines training with the UK Royal Marines and had a state banquet.
Lloyd Austin
United States Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin visited the country on September 25.
During his visit, Austin had a meeting with Defence CS Aden Duale and Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla where they held talks to strengthen the military ties between the two countries.
Petr Fiala
Last month, Czech Republic Prime Minister Petr Fiala visited the country for a three-day official trip.
He was received by President Ruto, Prime CS Musalia Mudavadi and other State officials.
The purpose of his trip was to hold bilateral talks with senior government officials to strengthen collaboration and partnership between Kenya and Czech Republic.
Iran President Ebrahim Rais
In July, President Ekrahim Rais of Iran visited Kenya for a one-day State visit and was hosted by President Ruto at State House, Nairobi.
During the visit, the two leaders signed five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). This included agreements to increase cooperation on information and technology, fisheries, animal health, livestock products and investment promotion.
