Kenya’s 10-point pledge for Africa at UN Security Council

Working alongside the five permanent members with veto powers (Russia, UK, US, China and France), Kenya will join nine other non-permanent members and could get a chance to preside over the Council’s sittings, an influential opportunity to influence agenda.

Kenya’s win also serves to assure the world of the legitimacy of the African Union (AU) in endorsing candidates from member states to “act in its name.” The AU had endorsed Kenya for the seat, but Djibouti rejected this decision and went ahead to conduct parallel campaigns for the only seat allocated for Africa.

This year’s vote was historic, happening in the midst of a pandemic. Delegates representing 192 member countries, who were all required to wear face masks, were called in one by one to cast their ballots. In addition, this year, there was no plenary session during the vote - part of the rules made to reduce public gatherings as a measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus Covid-19.

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta termed the win “a demonstration of the country's growing profile and influence in the community of nations as a steadfast and dependable development partner.”

In a statement to media houses, he thanked the African Union for endorsing Nairobi and giving it a chance to vie for the seat. He also thanked Djibouti for being a worthy opponent.

President Kenyatta said Kenya will “voice Africa's position in the Security Council”.

Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh congratulated Kenya on its win. He said he hopes Nairobi will bring “valuable debate” to the Council.

                      Kenya says it will promote cooperation with the UN Security Council and the Peace and Security Council, African Union’s decision-making body on issues of peace and security on the continent, as well as regional integration bodies such as the East African Community and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development. 

The following are its pledges:

1. Building bridges: strong advocate for a reformed, strengthened and representative United Nations rooted at the centre of a rules based international system. Kenya will promote a culture of peace, tolerance and of respect for human dignity and aspirations.
2. Regional peace and security: Build appropriate linkages between UN and African bodies to help solve regional conflicts, or prevent them
3. Justice, human rights and democracy: Promote ideas that create useful environment for a just society
4. Peace keeping operations: Seek to have the UNSC provide clear mandate and financial support for peace keeping operations
5. Gender equality: Promote policies that will ensure women and men participate in conflict resolution programmes
6. Humanitarian action: Seek lasting solutions to challenges of forced migration
7. Climate change: Seek lasting solutions to security challenges caused by erratic climatic conditions
8. Youth empowerment: Promote actions that include youth participation in key programmes
9. Sustainable development: synergise UN SDGs for 2030 and AU’s Agenda 2063
10. Counter-terrorism: Promote regional and global cooperation against terror merchants