Kenya and Finland sign 3 MoUs on education, tech, climate

President William Ruto has made significant progress in strengthening Kenya’s bilateral relations with Finland following high-level talks with President Alexander Stubb, with discussions centering on trade, digital innovation, climate action and global governance reforms.

The engagements produced new cooperation frameworks aimed at deepening economic ties, expanding investment opportunities and accelerating digital transformation between the two countries, as both leaders underscored the need to translate long-standing diplomatic relations into practical outcomes.

Ruto said the visit builds on a durable partnership anchored on shared democratic values, sustainable development goals and mutual respect, noting that Kenya and Finland are now focused on delivering concrete results through structured cooperation.

During the visit, the two leaders witnessed the signing of three Memoranda of Understanding covering education and skills development, digitalisation and innovation, and environmental cooperation.

Ruto said the agreements mark a shift from diplomacy to implementation.

On education, he said Kenya would benefit from Finland’s globally recognised learning system as it advances reforms in technical training and competency-based education.

“We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to expand cooperation in technical and vocational training, teacher development and competency-based learning,” he said, linking the deal to ongoing reforms in Kenya’s education sector.

On digital cooperation, Ruto said the partnership supports Kenya’s ambition to become a leading digital economy in Africa.

“We have signed an MoU on digitalisation and innovation to deepen cooperation in digital public services, secure connectivity and innovation ecosystems,” he said, adding that Kenya’s fintech ecosystem, including mobile money platforms such as M-Pesa, positions it as a strong partner in digital transformation.

The third agreement focuses on circular economy, bio-economy and climate change, with both sides committing to strengthen cooperation in environmental sustainability, climate resilience and green growth.

“This partnership will strengthen collaboration in environmental sustainability, climate resilience and green growth,” Ruto said.

Beyond bilateral agreements, Ruto also pushed for expanded trade and investment ties between Kenya and Europe, including accelerated implementation of the Kenya–European Union Economic Partnership Agreement.

“We agreed to strengthen trade and investment ties and accelerate implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement,” he said, noting Finland’s role in facilitating engagement between business communities.

On global governance, the President called for reforms to the international financial system and greater inclusion of developing countries in decision-making structures.

“We reaffirmed our commitment to a rules-based international order and a fair, inclusive global financial system,” he said, referencing outcomes of the Africa Forward Summit co-hosted by Kenya and France.

He stressed that Africa must be treated as an equal partner in shaping global solutions.

“We agreed that Africa must be recognised not merely as a beneficiary of global initiatives, but as an equal partner in shaping global solutions,” he said.

Ruto also thanked Finland for supporting United Nations reforms, particularly efforts to make the Security Council more representative, including fairer representation for Africa in both permanent and non-permanent categories.

On peace and security, Ruto and Stubb exchanged views on conflicts in Africa, Europe and the Middle East, reaffirming commitment to diplomacy and dialogue.

“Kenya and Finland will continue supporting efforts to promote peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes Region,” he said, adding that negotiations remain the most viable path toward ending the Russia–Ukraine war.

He further expressed appreciation for his invitation to the Kultaranta Talks, where he became the first African Head of State to participate, saying he looks forward to presenting Africa’s perspective on global challenges in a rapidly changing world.