Princess Takamado visits Kenya

Princess Takamado of Japan visited Kenya for BirdLife International’s 2nd Flyways Summit. 

Japan’s Princess Takamado (Hisako) visited Nairobi, Kenya, this past week to attend a Global Partnership Meeting and BirdLife International’s 2nd Global Flyways Summit.

Ahead of the summit, Princess Takamado spoke at the United Nations Office, where the Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director of UNEP, Inger Andersen, welcomed her before she addressed those assembled. In her speech, the Princess noted that the visit was her first to Kenya since 1999, when she accompanied the late Prince Takamado. She also touched on her longstanding role as Honorary President of BirdLife International.

If we’re so intelligent that we can get people on the moon, we should be able to at least slow down climate change. —Princess Takamado

The Princess also paid a courtesy call on President William Ruto at State House. The discussions emphasised the strong and mutual relationship between Japan and Kenya. According to the Office of the President, the two agreed on the urgent need to address climate change, expand clean and sustainable energy cooperation, and deepen trade and investment relations between the two countries.

Princess Takamado also visited the Kenya Electricity Generating Company PLC (KenGen), the leading electric power producer in East Africa and supplier of over 60% of Kenya’s electricity, as well as Nairobi National Park for an early-morning game excursion and birding experience. The Princess has long been an avid bird photographer, carrying out various official and private visits around the world in connection with her passion for photography.

The Princess, accompanied by members of her family and entourage, arrived at the park at six in the morning and explored several sections, taking in the park’s wildlife, scenic landscapes and diverse habitats. An avid birder and photographer, Princess Takamado showed particular interest in the park’s rich and diverse birdlife, capturing moments along the way.

With more than 400 bird species recorded, including both resident and migratory species, Nairobi National Park offers a remarkable birding experience within easy reach of Kenya’s capital. Its diverse habitats provide ideal opportunities for birdwatchers, photographers and nature enthusiasts to experience Kenya’s wildlife beyond the iconic big game.

During the visit, the Princess toured Hyena Dam, one of the park’s notable birding hotspots. The dam provides an important habitat for a variety of bird species, while also offering an opportunity to appreciate the interconnectedness of the park’s wider ecosystem. The wetland setting attracts waterbirds such as herons, egrets, storks and ducks, while the surrounding grasslands and acacia woodlands support a host of other species, from raptors to songbirds. — Kenya Wildlife Service