Stubb Makes First Finnish Presidential Visit to Kenya and Tanzania

President Alexander Stubb began a historic state visit to Kenya on Monday, the first time a Finnish head of state has travelled to the East African country. The visit will continue to Tanzania later in the week, as Finland marks 60 years of diplomatic ties with both nations.

Stubb’s trip highlights his stated objective to deepen Finland’s engagement with the global south. Since taking office, he has frequently spoken of the need to strengthen ties beyond Europe and the transatlantic sphere.

In Kenya, Stubb’s itinerary includes a meeting with President William Ruto, whose administration has come under growing domestic scrutiny. Soaring prices and economic pressure have fuelled discontent, while international attention has focused on a recent BBC investigation titled Blood Parliament, which examines the fatal shooting of demonstrators during last year’s protests.

Across the border, Tanzania is preparing for presidential and parliamentary elections in October. Rights groups have raised concerns over shrinking space for opposition parties ahead of the vote.

Stubb will also give a public address on international power dynamics at the University of Nairobi, where he is expected to speak on the evolving global order and Finland’s approach to foreign policy.

The visit comes amid a broader Finnish strategy to diversify its international partnerships. While Finland has strengthened its transatlantic alignment since joining NATO, the president has signalled that deeper relations with African and Asian countries will also play a central role in shaping the country's external affairs.

The Finnish delegation includes representatives from government, academia, and business. The trip is also intended to promote trade, education partnerships, and climate cooperation.

In Tanzania, President Stubb is scheduled to meet with President Samia Suluhu Hassan and visit development projects backed by Finnish support.

The trip underscores Finland’s longstanding involvement in East Africa, particularly through education, health and governance initiatives. Stubb’s office has stated that the visit reflects continuity in Finland’s development policy but also signals a more politically engaged relationship with the region.

This article originally appeared in the Helsinki Times