- Ending the Royal Visit in Mombasa’s Old Town, they saw the diversity of the coastal region of Kenya.
- They visited Fort Jesus where they were treated to a traditional Mijikenda performance by a local dance troupe.
Image: FILE
The British High Commission has said the Royal visit by King Charles and Queen Camilla Consort showcased the strong and dynamic UK-Kenya partnership.
In a statement on Friday, they said their Majesties bid farewell to Kenya on Friday afternoon after a vibrant State Visit.
"The State visit, the King’s first to a Commonwealth country since he acceded to the throne has seen their Majesties meet Kenyans from all walks of life, including many working to advance the bilateral relationship," the statement read in part.
Their Majesties finished their tour in the cultural heart of Mombasa.
They visited Fort Jesus where they were treated to a traditional Mijikenda performance by a local dance troupe.
In Nairobi, they spent time with President William Ruto and First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto at State House.
They then had a special visit to Uhuru Gardens, where the Kenyan flag was first raised almost 60 years ago.
Their programme also included engagements with communities in Eastlands at an urban farm and with tech innovators receiving support from the UK-Kenya Tech Hub.
"His Majesty attended a creative showcase with some of Kenya’s rising stars from the worlds of fashion and the arts. Many Kenyans will also have spotted the British High Commission’s Royal Matatus which has been hitting the streets of Nairobi and Mombasa throughout the week," the statement said.
At a reception hosted by British High Commissioner Neil Wigan, guests and the King were treated to a live demonstration as matatu artist Brian Wanyama painted the final matatu for the fleet.
"The reception celebrated the strong people-to-people links between the UK and Kenya and spotlighted young and inspiring Kenyans across the arts, media, politics, NGOs and business," the British High Commission said.
The King was also able to spend time with Wanjira Mathai at Nairobi’s Karura Forest, where he met some of Kenya’s fantastic athletes like Eliud Kipchoge.
The visit also centred on His Majesty’s passion for the planet.
At the United Nations in Nairobi, he thanked staff for their tireless efforts to tackle climate change and preserve the planet.
He met some of Africa’s top CEOs who are working through the Sustainable Markets Initiative to coordinate private sector efforts on climate change.
While in Mombasa, the King met those working with initiatives like Baus Taka and Flipflopi who are coming up with creative ways to reduce plastic pollution in the world’s oceans.
The statement said the King also saw how community-led action could restore damaged corals and support marine conservation in Kuruwitu.
"The Queen also demonstrated her passion for animals with time spent at KSPCA and at Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage, where they met keepers doing inspiring work to rescue baby elephants, often victims of human-wildlife conflict, and even bottle fed some naughty youngsters," they said.
Kenya Wildlife Service took their Majesties on a game drive through Nairobi National Park, concluding at the Ivory Burning Site.
The British High Commission said the UK-Kenya defence partnership remains vital and their Majesties were delighted to see UK Royal Marines training a new batch of Kenyan marines at Mtongwe Naval Base.
They said these efforts are keeping Kenya, the region and our people safer.
"His Majesty also used the visit to deepen his understanding of the darker aspects of the UK and Kenya’s shared history. This included a private meeting with family and representatives of those who fought in the struggle for Kenya’s independence," they said.
During the State's Banquet, the King said;
“The wrongdoings of the past are a cause of the greatest sorrow and the deepest regret.”
Ending the Royal Visit in Mombasa’s Old Town, they saw the diversity of the coastal region of Kenya.
After the King spent time at Mandhry Mosque, he rejoined the Queen who spent Friday morning with survivors of SGBV.
Blending the old and the new, their Majesties travelled to Fort Jesus in a pioneering e-tuk-tuk.
"The visit has showcased and strengthened the mutually beneficial, modern UK-Kenya partnership," the British High Commission said.