Finnish President Alexander Stubb and his spouse, Suzanne Innes-Stubb, arrived in Kenya on Monday, May 12, for a three-day state visit aimed at strengthening diplomatic relations and enhancing cooperation between the two nations.
The Finnish delegation was received at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki and Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba.
“On behalf of His Excellency Dr. William Samoei Ruto, I received His Excellency Alexander Stubb, the President of the Republic of Finland, together with his spouse, on arrival at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for a State Visit to Kenya,” DP Kindiki posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The visit commemorates 60 years of diplomatic relations between Finland and Kenya. According to the Office of the President of Finland, the state visit will include high-level discussions on global challenges affecting both Africa and Europe, and a focus on reinforcing multilateral cooperation.
President Stubb is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with President William Ruto. Their meeting will be followed by a wreath-laying ceremony at Uhuru Gardens.
Later on Monday evening, President Stubb and his spouse will attend a state banquet hosted by President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto at State House.
During the visit, President Stubb will engage with representatives of local NGOs and foreign policy experts to discuss regional development and social progress. He will also address students at the University of Nairobi in a speech focused on geopolitics and the transformation of the multilateral order, followed by a student-led discussion.
In addition, President Stubb is expected to deliver a keynote address at the closing event of the EU-Kenya Business Forum. He will also tour Kawangware to observe a digital connectivity project supported by the European Union and Finnfund.
