Finnish President Alexander Stubb and First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb have arrived in Kenya for a three-day state visit, marking the first-ever presidential visit from Finland to the East African nation. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki received the couple early Monday morning, May 12, at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), representing President William Ruto.
The visit, which runs from May 12 to 14, 2025, commemorates 60 years of diplomatic relations between Kenya and Finland. According to a statement from the Finnish Embassy, the visit will strengthen bilateral ties and explore cooperation in global and regional issues, multilateralism, and sustainable development.
President Stubb’s official itinerary began with a meeting with President Ruto in Nairobi. The leaders are expected to discuss bilateral relations, global challenges affecting both Africa and Europe, and the importance of supporting the multilateral system. A wreath-laying ceremony at Uhuru Gardens followed the meeting.
On Monday evening, President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto will host a state banquet in honour of the Finnish presidential couple.
President Stubb will also engage with local NGOs and foreign policy experts, with a focus on regional dynamics and social development. A highlight of the visit will be his address at the University of Nairobi, where he will speak on geopolitics and the transformation of the multilateral order, followed by a student dialogue.
In support of economic cooperation, Stubb will deliver the keynote speech at the EU-Kenya Business Forum’s closing ceremony and participate in a business seminar organised by Business Finland, focusing on the built environment and health sectors.
Additionally, the President will tour a vocational training institution and a company involved in a Finnish-funded project aimed at enhancing the relevance of technical education to the labour market.
Stubb will also visit Kawangware to observe a digital connectivity initiative supported by the EU and Finnfund. His itinerary includes high-level discussions with the heads of the UN Office in Nairobi (UNON), UNEP, and UN-Habitat, addressing the future of the UN and Nairobi’s role as a global diplomatic hub.
The visit marks a significant milestone in Kenya-Finland relations, reinforcing shared values of development, cooperation, and global dialogue.
