During his official visit to Kenya, Dutch King Willem-Alexander made a fascinating revelation about his personal connection to the country and his role in conservation efforts in the past. The King, accompanied by Queen Máxima, was attending a state banquet hosted in his honour on Tuesday when he shared an unexpected story from his past, much to the surprise of the guests.
“I’ve had a deep love for Africa since I was young,” King Willem-Alexander began, explaining how his father’s childhood years in what was then Tanganyika (now Tanzania) had instilled a passion for the continent in him. The King went on to recount his own experiences in Africa, particularly his work in Kenya during the 1980s and 1990s. “I first visited Africa as a pilot for AMREF Flying Doctors and later, I worked with the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), helping protect elephants from poachers in Meru National Park.”
The King’s admission took a personal turn as he shared a unique detail about his time in Kenya. “Interestingly, the only pilot’s licence I ever held was not a Dutch one, but a Kenyan licence,” he revealed. “The number was Y2294-PL, issued to me by Gladys, who had an office on the first floor, first office on the left, in 1989.” This nostalgic recollection left many in the audience both amused and impressed by his hands-on experience in Kenya’s conservation efforts.
The Dutch monarch’s visit, which began on March 18, also includes discussions on strengthening bilateral ties between the Netherlands and Kenya. Key agreements are expected to be signed during the trip, along with a tree-planting initiative aimed at supporting environmental sustainability. The King’s heartfelt connection to Kenya and his past work further deepened the ties between the two nations.
