This archive report was first published on 31 October 2021.
On October 31, 2021, Kenya wrapped up its two-year tenure as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), capping off a historic and consequential month for the country's foreign policy and diplomacy.
Kenya's presidency of the UNSC began on October 1, 2021, and was marked by several significant events and outcomes. The country's leadership played a crucial role in shaping the global security environment and promoting African and Kenyan interests.
During its presidency, Kenya facilitated the adoption of two Security Council Presidential Statements (PRSTs), which will be part of the official documentation and records of the Council. These PRSTs were adopted following high-level open debates of the Security Council, which were presided over by Kenyan leaders.
One of the notable debates was on the cooperation between the United Nations and regional and sub-regional organizations, which was presided over by President Uhuru Kenyatta on October 28, 2021. The debate was briefed by several high-level officials, including President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana and President Kais Saied of Tunisia.
Kenya also played a key role in advancing the issue of diversity as a key driver of conflict. On October 12, 2021, President Uhuru Kenyatta presided over an in-person high-level open debate on diversity, state building, and the search for peace. The debate was also addressed by the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, and President Paul Kagame of Rwanda.
Kenya's presidency of the UNSC was also marked by the country's commitment to promoting women's participation in peace and security. On October 21, 2021, the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Raychelle Omamo, chaired an in-person ministerial-level open debate on women and peace and security, which was attended by over 60 delegations.
Kenya's leadership in the UNSC also extended to the Middle East, particularly on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In a session presided over by the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Macharia Kamau, the Council was invited to break from past models and adopt diverse, well-defined, cultural-context grassroots channels in seeking innovative answers to the conflict.
As Kenya concluded its presidency of the UNSC, the country's leadership led the Council on a field visit to the Sahel region of Africa, which was historic and significant. The visit allowed the Council to assess and be apprised of the challenges of terrorism in the Sahel and how they impacted on the governance and stability of the region.
Kenya's successful presidency of the UNSC has provided the country with a vital platform for advancing its foreign policy objectives and contributing to a safer, secure, and prosperous Africa.
