This archive report was first published on 13 July 2020.
Kenya's recent election to the United Nations Security Council has sparked debate about the country's diplomatic efforts, particularly in light of Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed's candidacy for a top position at the World Trade Organization.
As one of Kenya's finest diplomats, Amina has served in senior positions at global organizations, including the International Organization for Migration, the World Trade Organization, and the United Nations Environment Program. Her understanding of global operations is impeccable, but her candidacy comes at a sensitive time for Kenya.
With Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, a Kenyan trade expert, serving as Secretary General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, some wonder whether Kenya is overextending itself in the global arena. Dr. Kituyi has served in this capacity for seven years, bringing glory not only to Kenya but also to the continent.
Moreover, Kenya's sitting Director General of Health, Dr. Patrick Amoth, has recently been appointed to the United Nations World Health Organization's Executive Council as Vice Chairperson. This appointment may have contributed to the perception of Kenya's dominance in global organizations.
As Kenya continues to push for Amina's candidacy, questions arise about the calculation behind this move. Did the president receive objective guidance from advisors before committing public resources to this cause? The defeat of Amina's bid for the AU Commission chairperson in 2017, despite a significant campaign by the Kenyan government, may have left a sour taste in the mouths of some Kenyans.
With five other candidates vying for the position, including two from Africa, some wonder whether Kenya's lobbying efforts may be seen as motivated by selfishness. Won't the global community feel it's time to give this opportunity to another country? The recent cabinet reshuffle, which saw Amina's former docket reassigned to Professor George Nagoya, has also raised questions about the president's intentions.
By Abednego Mwikya
