Finnish President Alexander Stubb was officially received by Kenyan President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi, on Monday morning, marking the beginning of a three-day state visit to Kenya. President Stubb, who was accompanied by his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb, was honored with a full ceremonial reception that included inspecting a military guard of honour mounted by the Kenya Army and a 21-gun salute.
The visit underscores the enduring friendship between Finland and Kenya, as the two nations celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations. The historic milestone highlights decades of cooperation in areas such as education, environmental sustainability, governance, and development assistance.
Following the ceremonial welcome, President Stubb held a closed-door meeting with President Ruto. The discussions focused on strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new opportunities for cooperation in key sectors. The leaders also addressed pressing global challenges such as climate change, food security, and the role of multilateral institutions in fostering peace and development. Particular emphasis was placed on how these global issues impact Africa and Europe, and the importance of collaborative solutions.
Later in the day, President Stubb will participate in a wreath-laying ceremony at Uhuru Gardens, paying tribute to Kenya’s heroes and reinforcing the bond between the two nations. The visit will culminate in a state banquet hosted at State House by President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto in honor of the Finnish presidential couple.
Stubb’s visit is expected to deepen ties not just at the diplomatic level, but also through people-to-people engagement and increased cooperation in innovation, trade, education, and sustainable development. The Finnish delegation includes government officials and business leaders keen to explore investment and partnership opportunities in Kenya.
As Kenya positions itself as a regional hub for trade and innovation, the visit signals a renewed commitment from both countries to expand cooperation in a rapidly changing global landscape.
