This archive report was first published on 18 June 2020.
Kenya's bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council has hit a snag, with the country failing to meet the required threshold of votes in the first round of voting.
According to the results, Kenya garnered 113 votes, while Djibouti secured 78 votes. However, Kenya fell short of the two-thirds majority required to secure the seat, which is 128 votes.
President Uhuru Kenyatta had made a last-ditch effort to persuade the envoys to vote for Kenya, highlighting the country's contributions to peacekeeping missions in Somalia and its commitment to democracy, human rights, and global solidarity.
During a virtual campaign meeting with permanent representatives of various countries to the United Nations, President Kenyatta emphasized Kenya's track record of democracy, respect for human rights, and solidarity, saying, "A vote for Kenya is a vote for peace. A vote for Kenya is a vote for global solidarity. A vote for Kenya is a vote for multilateralism."
He also assured the representatives that Kenya would use the position to advance a Pan-Africanist agenda for peace, multilateralism, and global solidarity.
Despite President Kenyatta's efforts, Kenya's bid for the Security Council seat has fallen short, and a repeat poll has been scheduled for Thursday in New York City.
