Finland President to visit Kenya in May

The President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, and his spouse, Suzanne Innes-Stubb, are set to visit Kenya in May.

According to a statement from the Finnish Embassy in Kenya, this will mark a state visit to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between Finland and Kenya.

This will be the first presidential visit from Finland to Kenya and will take place from May 12 to May 14, 2025.

“The state visit will begin in Nairobi on Monday, May 12, with a meeting with President William Ruto,” President Stubb’s office said.

The discussions between the presidents will focus on the bilateral relations between the countries.

Ruto and Stabb will also talk about global challenges and their impact in Africa and Europe, and cooperation in support of the multilateral system.

The meeting will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Uhuru Gardens.

On Monday evening (May 12), the presidential couple will be hosted by President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto at a state banquet.

"During his stay, President Stubb will meet representatives of local NGOs and foreign policy experts. The main topics of discussion will be regional dynamics and social development,” the statement reads.

President Stubb will also visit the University of Nairobi, where he will give a speech on geopolitics and the transformation of the multilateral order, followed by a discussion with students.

In addition, Stubb will deliver a keynote speech at the closing event of the EU-Kenya Business Forum.

Stubb’s agenda also features a business seminar organised by Business Finland, focusing on the built environment and the health sector.

The statement said the official programme includes a visit to a technical education institution and a company offering vocational training.

These are both involved in a project funded by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs to strengthen the quality and labour market relevance of vocational training.

Further, President Stubb will also visit Kawangware, where he will learn about a programme funded by the EU and Finnfund to enhance digital connectivity.

President Stubb will also meet with the Director-General of the UN Office in Nairobi, UNON, and the Executive Directors of UNEP and UN-Habitat.

Their discussions will cover topics such as the future of the UN and support for the multilateral system, as well as the role of the UN Office in Nairobi.

President Stubb will be accompanied on the state visit by MP, Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Kenya, Saara-Sofia Sirén, and MP, Vice Chair of the Finnish Parliament Group on Global Issues, Inka Hopsu, as well as a Finnish business delegation with representatives from a wide range of business sectors.