In 2025, Kenya became a magnet for world leaders, drawing presidents, prime ministers, and royals for state visits, national celebrations, and high-level talks.
Each visit offered a platform to deepen partnerships, promote development, and showcase Kenya’s growing influence on the global stage.
Slovenian President Nataša Pirc Musar arrived first on May 31, 2025, and was welcomed by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. Her visit coincided with Madaraka Day celebrations on June 1 at Raila Odinga Stadium in Homa Bay County, where she attended as Chief Guest.
During her visit, President Pirc Musar held talks with President William Ruto, focusing on economic collaboration, development support, regional peace and security, and multilateral cooperation, particularly climate change financing.
File image of President Alexander Stubb and President William Ruto.Finnish President Alexander Stubb followed in May for a three-day state visit. He arrived at JKIA with his spouse, Suzanne Innes-Stubb, and was received by Deputy President Kithure Kindiki.
The Finnish President held bilateral talks with President Ruto at State House to strengthen cooperation between Kenya and Finland. He also laid a wreath at Uhuru Gardens, attended a state banquet, and delivered a keynote address at the closing of the EU-Kenya Business Forum. He departed on May 14, seeing off by Deputy President Kindiki.
Prince Rahim Aga Khan V visited Kenya from August 26 for three days, marking his first official trip since becoming the 50th Imam of the Shia Ismaili Muslim Community in February 2025. On the same day, President Ruto awarded him the Chief of the Order of the Golden Heart in recognition of the Aga Khan Development Network’s work in Kenya.
The two leaders held discussions aimed at deepening cooperation between the Kenyan government and the Ismaili Imamat.
File image of President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye and President Ruto at State House.Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye arrived on October 19 and was welcomed by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya at JKIA. He attended Mashujaa Day celebrations at Ithookwe Stadium in Kitui County as Chief Guest.
In his speech, President Faye said, “I am deeply committed to the duty of remembrance; our heroes deserve all honour, respect, and admiration. The celebration of Kenyan heroes who risked their lives fighting for the independence of the country is a great tribute that commands respect and pride.”
President Ruto later hosted him at State House on October 21, where they held talks on strengthening bilateral relations and shared goals. Their meeting concluded with a joint press briefing.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visited from November 23 to 24. During his stay, he held bilateral talks with President Ruto on advancing cooperation between Kenya and Malaysia, focusing on the affordable housing programme, the digital economy, and tourism.
President Ruto hosted a state banquet in his honour. During the event, Ibrahim praised Kenya’s housing initiatives, saying, “One aspect that is exciting for me, because like you, I am very passionate about poverty alleviation and housing for the poor, when I learnt that there is an ambitious programme of 150,000 units of affordable housing, this exemplifies the spirit of remarkable leadership.”
Queen Mary of Denmark arrived on December 9 for a three-day state visit and was received by Mudavadi, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, and Tourism Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano at JKIA.
During her visit, the Queen toured landfill projects promoting waste management, circular economy initiatives, and urban environmental resilience in Nairobi. She also participated in the United Nations Environment Assembly meeting at the United Nations Office in Nairobi.
