King Charles III on Tuesday evening showed his mastery of Swahili language during an address at a state banquet hosted by President William Ruto at State House.
“Mabibi na mabwana, hamjambo! Niaje! Ni furaha yangu kuwa nanyi jioni ya leo,” the King began his speech, which can be loosely translated as “Ladies and gentlemen, good evening, how are you, it is a pleasure to be with you this evening”.
He also threw in another Swahili word in the middle of his speech, “Najiskia ni kama niko Nyumbani”, saying it was a big deal for him and Queen Camilla to mark their first visit to a Commonwealth country in Kenya, where he felt at home due to the long history between the East African state and the United Kingdom.
The King and Queen arrived in the country late on Monday night and were received by Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, and British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan.
This is King Charles’ first trip to Kenya since he ascended to the throne, succeeding his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, in September last year.
Kenya is also first former colony and first Commonwealth nation that King Charles is visiting since his ascension to the throne.
On the agenda of the visit is exploring how Kenya and the United Kingdom can boost mutual prosperity, tackle climate change and promote youth opportunities and employment.
