Kenya's Two-Year Term in the UN Security Council Elapses

Kenya has completed its two-year term in the powerful United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

This was announced by Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York Amb. Martin Kimani, who expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve in the council and expressed Kenya’s commitment to continue to contribute to global peace and security efforts.

“I will communicate some of the important lessons we learned in the New Year. But for now, all I feel is overwhelming gratitude for the opportunity,” Amb. Kimani said.

“We are proud of the work we have done over the past two years and will continue to be a strong partner in the international community,” he added.

During its time in the council, Kenya held the monthly rotational presidency for October 2021 and focused on providing ideas and solutions for global peace and security, specifically in the Horn of Africa and the troubled Sahel region. 

Kenya secured the UNSC seat as a non-permanent member after defeating Djibouti in an election held in January 2021. Kenya previously served as a member of the council in 1973-74 and 1997-98.

UNSC has five permanent members; Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, China, and France, all of who have veto powers. The UN Security Council is responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security.