President Stubb to pay state visit to Kenya

Office of the President of the Republic of Finland
Press release 27/2025
24 April 2025

President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb and his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb will pay a state visit to the Republic of Kenya. The visit will take place on 12–14 May 2025 to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic relations between Finland and Kenya.

The state visit will begin in Nairobi on Monday 12 May with a meeting with President William Ruto. The discussions between the 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 William 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.

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 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. 

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. 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 Member of Parliament, Chair of the Parliamentary Friendship Group with Kenya Saara-Sofia Sirén, and Member of Parliament, 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.