Finland president Alexander Stubb to make state visit to Kenya next month

Finland President Alexander Stubb and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb will pay a state visit to Kenya from May 12–14 to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

The state visit will begin in Nairobi on May 12 with a meeting with President William Ruto. The discussions between the two presidents will focus on the bilateral relations between Finland and Kenya, global challenges and their impact in Africa and Europe, and cooperation in support of the multilateral system. The talks will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Uhuru Gardens. In the evening, the presidential couple will be hosted by President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto at a state banquet.

According to a statement by the Finnish president’s officer, during his stay, Stubb will meet representatives of local Non-Governmental Organisations and foreign policy experts to mainly discuss regional dynamics and social development.

“President Stubb will 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, President will attend the closing event of the EU-Kenya Business Forum, where he will deliver a keynote speech. The President’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, both involved in a project funded by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs to strengthen the quality and labour market relevance of vocational training. The President will also visit the residential area of Kawangware, where he will learn about a programme funded by the EU and Finnfund to enhance digital connectivity,” it added.

President Stubb will also meet with the Director-General of the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) and the Executive Directors of United National Environmental Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). 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.

The Finnish Ambassador to Kenya will host a formal reception in honour of the state visit.

President Stubb will be accompanied on the state visit by the Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Kenya Saara-Sofia Sirén, and 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.

The visit of President Stubb is the first presidential visit from Finland to Kenya.