Despite mounting concerns over governance, human rights violations, and police brutality, Western nations continue to strengthen diplomatic ties with Kenya through high-level visits and engagements. This comes even as domestic discontent brews over the administration’s handling of the June 2024 anti-government protests, which saw at least 60 young Kenyans killed mostly by police bullets and several others subjected to abductions and arbitrary arrests.
Recent developments have highlighted the contradiction between Western advocacy for democratic values and their growing cooperation with Nairobi. The arrest of four BBC journalists for allegedly publishing false information in their documentary Blood Parliament drew international criticism before they were released without charges. EU Ambassador to Kenya, Henriette Geiger, responded by emphasizing the importance of press freedom as a cornerstone of democracy.
The state visit by King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima of the Netherlands faced public backlash, with over 300 Kenyans petitioning for its cancellation. In response, the Dutch government defended the visit as a platform to raise critical issues like human rights. During the visit, King Willem-Alexander acknowledged the concerns, affirming the importance of governance and accountability in Kenya’s democratic process.
This week, Finland President Alexander Stubb and First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb arrived in Kenya for a historic state visit marking 60 years of diplomatic relations. President Stubb is set to meet civil society actors and deliver a keynote address at the EU-Kenya Business Forum under the theme “Digitalising Trade,” focusing on the evolving digital economy and regional cooperation.
Meanwhile, diplomatic momentum continues. On May 12, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs head Musalia Mudavadi hosted Norway’s Development Minister, reinforcing ties on development, environment, and foreign policy. Earlier in April, he met with a U.S. delegation led by Dr. Massad Boulos, reaffirming U.S.-Kenya collaboration on education, trade, and regional security.
Kenya’s global diplomatic standing also featured in discussions with former Latvian President Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga and in ongoing preparations for the Africa-France Conference 2026, which Nairobi will host.
While Western leaders tout the importance of human rights, their growing presence in Kenya signals a pragmatic balancing act—engaging a strategic partner while navigating calls for justice and reform.
