Kenya and Finland have pledged to deepen their bilateral ties, with a particular focus on education, global peace, and multilateral cooperation. On Monday, President William Ruto hosted Finnish President Alexander Stubb at State House, where both leaders emphasized the importance of collaboration in key areas for mutual growth and international progress.
Education was highlighted as a cornerstone of Kenya’s development agenda, with Ruto recognizing Finland as a global leader in educational excellence. He expressed Kenya’s desire to expand partnerships to support its ongoing transition to a Competency-Based Education (CBC) system. The two leaders agreed on the need to strengthen existing collaborations and explore new opportunities to elevate their cooperation to a strategic level. A key part of this collaboration involves technical and vocational education and training (TVET), digital learning, and academic research, which will equip Kenya’s youth with the skills needed in an increasingly digital world.
In addition to education, Ruto and Stubb signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) focusing on political consultations and peace mediation. The two leaders committed to reinforcing Kenya’s leadership in peacekeeping and conflict resolution, particularly in the Horn of Africa. They also discussed global challenges such as climate change, inequality, and geopolitical tensions, underscoring the importance of international institutions in addressing these issues.
Finland’s support for democratic values and multilateralism aligns with Kenya’s development goals, and the two nations are committed to reinforcing their efforts in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and biodiversity conservation. The discussions also covered trade and investment, with both countries looking to enhance cooperation in sectors like health, education, and labor recruitment.
President Stubb’s visit included a tour of Kenya’s technical training institutions to witness the impact of vocational education firsthand. This collaboration promises to create stronger people-to-people ties and support the development of a skilled workforce, crucial for Kenya’s future growth and global engagement.
