Finland’s President Alexander Stubb to Make Historic State Visit to Kenya in May

In a significant diplomatic milestone, Finland’s President Alexander Stubb and First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb will make the first-ever presidential visit from Finland to Kenya next month, marking 60 years of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

The state visit, scheduled for May 12-14, 2025, will feature high-level discussions on bilateral relations, global challenges affecting both continents, and cooperation in support of the multilateral system, according to a press release from the Office of the President of the Republic of Finland.

President Stubb’s three-day itinerary will begin with a meeting with Kenyan President William Ruto in Nairobi, followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Uhuru Gardens.

President Alexander Stubb of Finland and First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb are scheduled to undertake a state visit to Kenya from May 12 to 14, 2025.

The Finnish presidential couple will later attend a state banquet hosted by President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto.

The visit aims to strengthen ties between Finland and Kenya, with President Stubb scheduled to deliver a keynote speech at the closing event of the EU-Kenya Business Forum and participate in a business seminar organized by Business Finland that will focus on the built environment and health sectors.

Education and vocational training will also feature prominently on the agenda, with visits planned to a technical education institution and a company offering vocational training, both involved in projects funded by the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs.

During his stay, President Stubb will address students at the University of Nairobi on geopolitics and transformation of the multilateral order, and meet with representatives of local NGOs and foreign policy experts to discuss regional dynamics and social development.

The Finnish delegation will include parliamentarians Saara-Sofia Sirén and Inka Hopsu, as well as business representatives from various sectors.

The Finnish Ambassador to Kenya will host a formal reception in honor of this historic state visit.

President Stubb is also scheduled to meet with the leadership of the UN Office in Nairobi, where discussions will focus on the future of the UN and support for the multilateral system.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​