Finland–Kenya relations

Finland recognised Kenya on December 13, 1963. Both countries established diplomatic relations on June 14, 1965. Finland recognises that Kenya is a key in maintaining regional stability and that Kenya has the largest and most diverse economy in the region.

In 2014 total development assistance stood at €13.9 million.[1]

Through development assistance in Kenya the Finnish govt hopes to achieve:[1]

• A society that accounts for human rights
• Poverty reduction
• Improve management of forest and water resources

To achieve this,

• A Local Cooperation Fund (LCF) has been set up, the fund is granted to NGOs involved in achieving good governance and human rights. A total of €11.6 million has been set to achieve this between 2013–2016.
• €24.8 million to develop agriculture in Kenya.
• €21.4 million in 2013–2016 has been reserved to improve management of forest and water resources.[1]

In 2013 trade between Finland and Kenya stood at €35 million. Kenya exported goods worth €17 million to Finland and in turn Finland exported goods worth €18 million.[2] Kenya exported goods consisting of horticultural products, tea and coffee, Finland mainly exported information communication technology and power plant equipment.

In 2014 both countries also signed a double taxation pact to promote trade and investment.[2]

In 2013, 2,000 Finns visited Kenya while the Kenyan community in Finland stands at about 700.[2]

Kenya is represented in Finland through its embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. Finland has an embassy in Nairobi and an honorary consulate in Mombasa.

• Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland about Kenya