Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark arrived in Kenya on December 9 for a three-day state visit that promises to deepen ties between Denmark and Kenya, especially in the areas of environmental conservation and sustainable development.

According to the Kenyan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the visit “offers an opportunity to deepen cooperation, especially in renewable energy, environmental protection, and people-centered development programmes.”

Upon arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), Queen Mary was welcomed by senior officials, including Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, and Cabinet Secretary for Tourism and Wildlife Rebecca Miano.

The agenda for the visit includes an inspection of conservation and development projects along Kenya’s coast, focusing on endangered species, as well as visits to waste-management and circular-economy initiatives in Nairobi.

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Strengthening Environmental and Development Ties

During her stay, Queen Mary will also take part in the ongoing United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-7) at the United Nations Office in Nairobi.

The assembly will gather global leaders to discuss environmental policies and climate action, providing a leeway for Denmark and Kenya to align on sustainable development goals and environmental strategies.

Kenyan government officials led by Musalia Mudavadi have expressed optimism that the visit will pave the way for enhanced cooperation in renewable energy, environmental protection, and people-centered development programmes.

“It presents opportunities to explore new areas of partnership and innovation that benefit both nations,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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Significance of the Visit

For Queen Mary, this visit comes less than two years after she became queen.

She ascended to the throne on 14 January 2024 alongside her husband, King Frederik X, following the resignation of Queen Margrethe II, the first voluntary step-down by a Danish sovereign in nearly 900 years.

Beyond royal tradition, Queen Mary has a long history of charitable and social-development advocacy.

She founded The Mary Foundation in 2007 to support children and families, affected by social isolation and domestic violence.

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Her Majesty Queen Mary of Denmark Signing the Visitors Book at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Alongside Kenyan Government Officials. PHOTO/ Mudavadi X