Finnish president in Kenya for first-ever state visit to celebrate 60 years of ties
National
By
Mike Kihaki
| May 12, 2025
Finnish President Alexander Stubb and First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb are in Kenya for a two-day state visit to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.
The visit, the first-ever by a sitting Finnish head of state to Kenya, focuses on strengthening ties in sustainable development, innovation and global cooperation.
Stubb’s arrival signals an increased emphasis on deepening cooperation across diplomacy, development, education and business.
President Stubb, who arrived in Nairobi on Sunday night, was received by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
On Monday, May 12, Stubb will meet President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, for discussions on how the two countries can enhance their multilateral cooperation and address global challenges facing both Africa and Europe.
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The leaders will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Uhuru Gardens, followed by a state banquet hosted by Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto.
Stubb’s itinerary includes a lecture at the University of Nairobi on geopolitics and multilateral systems.
He will also speak at the EU-Kenya Business Forum and join a seminar hosted by Business Finland, focusing on opportunities in the built environment and health sectors.
The Finnish President will visit a technical education institute and a vocational training company supported by Finland’s Ministry for Foreign Affairs, aimed at boosting job skills among young Kenyans. He will also visit Kawangware to explore a digital connectivity programme funded by the EU and Finnfund.
Stubb will meet officials from the UN Office in Nairobi (UNON), along with the heads of UNEP and UN-Habitat, for talks on the future of global multilateral systems.
The visit will conclude with a formal reception hosted by the Finnish Ambassador to Kenya.
The Finnish delegation includes Members of Parliament Saara-Sofia Sirén and Inka Hopsu, who are engaged in key parliamentary committees on global affairs.