In a surprising but symbolic move, Kawangware, a densely populated area in Nairobi that’s not commonly associated with high-profile visits, has been included in the itinerary of Finnish President Alexander Stubb’s upcoming state visit to Kenya.
President Stubb and his wife, First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb, will be in Kenya from May 12 to 14, 2025. This visit will make history as it marks the first time a Finnish Head of State visits Kenya.
Although Finland and Kenya have enjoyed diplomatic relations since Kenya gained independence in 1963, previous interactions have mostly been at the ministerial level and through development cooperation, rather than through presidential visits.
According to a statement from the Finnish Presidency, “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 visit is a significant milestone in the relationship between the two nations, aimed at strengthening ties and exploring future opportunities for cooperation. President Stubb’s trip will begin in Nairobi on Monday, May 12, where he is expected to meet with President William Ruto.
The two leaders will discuss various issues including bilateral relations, global challenges affecting both Europe and Africa, and how their countries can support international cooperation through multilateral systems.
After the high-level meeting, President Stubb and President Ruto will attend a wreath-laying ceremony at Uhuru Gardens.
Later that evening, a formal state banquet will be hosted by President Ruto and First Lady Rachel Ruto in honor of the Finnish delegation.
On the second day of the visit, President Stubb will head to the University of Nairobi where he is scheduled to deliver a speech focused on geopolitics and the changing nature of the global multilateral order.
He will also participate in the EU-Kenya Business Forum, a platform designed to boost economic partnerships and investment between Kenya and European countries.
One of the most notable parts of the trip will be President Stubb’s visit to Kawangware. Unlike the leafy suburbs usually featured in presidential tours, Kawangware is a more modest neighborhood.
However, it has been selected for a special reason: the Finnish President will be inspecting a digital connectivity project that is being funded by the European Union in collaboration with Finnfund, a Finnish development financier.
This program aims to improve internet access and digital infrastructure in underprivileged areas.
In addition to the local visits, President Stubb will also meet with key officials from the United Nations, including the Director-General of the UN Office at Nairobi (UNON) and the Executive Directors of both UNEP and UN-Habitat.
These discussions will focus on the future role of the UN, strengthening the multilateral system, and highlighting the importance of the UN’s presence in Nairobi.
The upcoming visit is expected to further solidify the growing friendship between Finland and Kenya, especially in areas of development, economic growth, and multilateral cooperation.
Interestingly, this high-level visit comes just weeks after King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands visited Kenya, highlighting the country’s increasing diplomatic engagement with European nations.
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