This archive report was first published on 8 July 2020.
Kenya's election to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) as a non-permanent member has been hailed by the United Kingdom as a significant step towards regional peace and stability. The announcement was made on July 8, 2020.
British Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya Sussie Kitchens expressed the UK's confidence in Kenya's ability to play a key role in ensuring regional and continental security issues are adequately addressed. She noted that Kenya's strategic position makes it an essential player in this regard.
According to Kitchens, Kenya's security agenda will include the war against terrorism, a global challenge that has seen the country experience a series of terror attacks mainly staged by the Somalia-based Al Shabaab terror group affiliated to the Al Qaeda network.
"We are excited to work together on this most important body for issues of international peace and security from January next year," Kitchens said during an interview with Capital News at her Nairobi residence.
She emphasized the importance of respecting the rule of law and upholding international standards around peace and security, which is a great responsibility for the elected members of the UN Security Council.
The UK and Kenya enjoy close bilateral ties, with Britain considered a key ally in the war against terrorism. The two countries have a common approach in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic, as discussed during a recent phone call between President Uhuru Kenyatta and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
