It is the king’s first state visit to a Commonwealth country since he was coronated on May 6 this year
The trip is the fourth by a British Monarch after the King’s mother Queen Elizabeth II visited Kenya three times during her long reign; A stopover in 1972, a state visit in 1983 and another stopover in 1991.
A source who sought anonymity said that their majesties are treated as very very important persons (VVIPs) and arrived using the State Pavilion Terminal at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, reserved for the president, deputy president, ministers and diplomats.
“It is highly unlikely that any terminus will be closed in Nairobi. The State pavilion was reserved for their arrival,’’ he said
The King and Queen will visit Nairobi City County, Mombasa County, and surrounding areas.
During the visit, the King and Queen will meet President Ruto and the First Lady as well as other members of the Kenyan Government, UN staff, CEOs, faith leaders, young people, future leaders, and Kenyan Marines training with UK Royal Marines.
The King will also attend an event to celebrate the life and work of the Nobel Laureate the late Professor Wangari Maathai, together with Wangari’s daughter, Wanjira Mathai.
The visit will acknowledge the more painful aspects of the UK and Kenya’s shared history, including the Emergency (1952-1960).
The King will take time during the visit to deepen his understanding of the wrongs suffered in this period by the people of Kenya.
Together, the King and Queen will tour a new museum dedicated to Kenya’s history and will lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Warrior at Uhuru Gardens, as well as visit the site of the declaration of Kenya’s independence in 1963.
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