Nairobi-In a visit marked by shared values and strategic goals, Kenya and Finland on Monday 12- May signed two new cooperation agreements, deepening ties between the two countries in diplomacy, education, and peacebuilding.
The deals were announced during a press conference at State House Nairobi, where President William Ruto hosted Finnish President Alexander Stubb on the first day of his state visit — the first ever by a Finnish head of state.
“We are committed to elevating our cooperation to a strategic level,” said President Ruto. “Today’s agreements are just the beginning.”
The memoranda of understanding focus on political consultations and peace mediation. Both leaders described them as vital steps in fostering global peace and regional stability.
President Stubb, who was joined by First Lady Suzanne Innes-Stubb and a Finnish business delegation, said the visit underscores Finland’s interest in deeper partnerships with Kenya.
“We need to work together on climate, forestry, global health, technology, and the economy,” he said. “These are not just Finnish or Kenyan issues — they are global.”
Education at the Core
At the centre of the talks was education, a sector where Finland is widely regarded as a global leader.
President Ruto said Kenya plans to draw from Finland’s experience to strengthen its own education system, particularly the competency-based curriculum.
“A cooperation framework is in the works, covering basic, technical, and higher education,” Ruto said. “Our aim is to prepare young Kenyans for a digital and rapidly changing world.”
The leaders also discussed health, with Kenya looking to learn from Finland’s successful model of universal health care. Ruto said this would help improve Taifa Care, Kenya’s national health insurance programme.
Climate and Trade
The environment featured heavily in the bilateral talks. Finland has over 75 percent forest cover — among the highest in the world. Kenya, by contrast, is pushing to grow its own forest cover to 30 percent by 2032.
“We look forward to learning from Finland’s experience in reforestation, biodiversity conservation, and balancing environmental and economic needs,” Ruto said.
Trade and investment were also on the agenda, with both sides reaffirming their support for the Kenya-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement, which took effect in July 2024.
Ruto said he sees great potential for expanding business links, especially in renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable technology.
A Shared Voice on the World Stage
Beyond bilateral issues, the two presidents addressed shared concerns about regional and global peace and security.
Ruto said Kenya remains committed to supporting peace in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region, and to upholding dialogue as the only path to resolving the war in Ukraine.
President Stubb echoed the sentiment. “Democracy and peace are never guaranteed,” he said. “They are things we must defend and work on, every day.”
Both leaders stressed the need for a rules-based international order and fair global financing structures.
In closing, President Ruto said Kenya welcomes Finland’s partnership, not just in policy, but in practical cooperation that touches people’s lives.
“Whether it’s education, healthcare, or forest cover, our goal is the same to build a better future,” he said.
President Stubb heads next to several regional engagements with his business delegation, as Finnish companies explore opportunities in Kenya’s growing economy.
The visit marks a warm chapter in Kenya-Finland ties, with both countries looking beyond aid and diplomacy towards solutions that work in classrooms, clinics, and communities.
