Stubb's Kenya Visit: Strengthening Ties through Talks, Advocacy

Finland's President Alexander Stubb finished his three days state visit in Kenya on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, making history by becoming the first Finnish President to have a State Visit in Kenya, despite both countries having good relations for over 60 years.

His first stop was at the Uhuru Gardens National Monument and Museum to pay his respects and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

While in Kenya, he held bilateral talks with President William Ruto at State House after which they signed two MoUs (Memorandum of Understanding) on Political Consultations, Peace Mediation and Conflict Resolution; key instruments in advancing shared values and global partnerships.

President Stubb also met with representatives of Kenyan Non- Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and civic activists. The discussion based on issues such as corruption, human rights, gender-based violence, and political participation among young people.

On the morning of Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the Finnish President joined Kenyan athletes for a morning run through Karura forest to celebrate Kenya’s rich athletic legacy.

He also gave a speech on geopolitics at the University of Nairobi. His message to students stated, “You have agency. You will decide how the world will look.”

The Finland President toured the Nairobi National Technical Institute (NTTI) and Caetano Kenya, institutions collaborating with Finnish Universities to run promotion of youth training and employment programs.

He emphasized the importance of practical learning in the Kenyan TVET sector.

He toured Kawangware to learn about Poa Internet, a programme funded by the EU and Finnfund aimed at improving digital infrastructure and expanding access to digital services in underserved urban communities.

In the evening, he attended the 75th anniversary of Europe Day to commemorate the Schuman Declaration, which laid the foundation for the European Union.

On Wednesday, May 14, 2025, he gave a speech at the UN Headquarters in Nairobi. His thesis was that the Global South will determine the direction of the world order. In a world in turmoil, it has an opportunity to leverage its influence.

"The UN lays the foundations of an order governed by rules, instead of might. But the UN's institutions are in need of reform. I encourage the UN leaders in Nairobi to embrace the challenge. Our goal should not be just a leaner UN, but a stronger one," he said.

Kenya and Finland relations have been strengthened, and a lot of good is to come soon.