Kenya is set to win the coveted seat at the powerful United Nations Security Council on Thursday, after failing to win two-thirds majority.
Her competitor from Africa Dfibouti managed 78 votes in the first round with Kenya garnering 113.
Kenya who had the backing of African Union competed against belligerent Djibouti for the single African group seat currently occupied by South Africa.
. The country launched its global campaign in November 2019 in New York following the endorsement by the African Union in August the same year.
In pitching Kenya’s bid, Foreign Affairs PS Macharia Kamau said Nairobi is keen on the seat to make contributions to global peace and security.
“We seek to achieve peace and security through the cultivation of a climate of trust, transparency and synergy of all actors,” he said in an appeal to the member states for support.
Macharia said the country would promote respect for international rules and norms and ensure sensitivity to member states’ interests. He also says the opportunity would help Kenya advance the peaceful resolution of conflicts and deliver increased cooperation in global peace and security efforts.
Kenyans Angered By 1.5% Tax Imposed On Digital Businesses
“Kenya can champion Africa’s collective interests in the UNSC,” Macharia said.
The five new members elected this year will take up their seats on January 1, 2021, and serve until December 31, 2022.
Kenya has served at the council twice — 1973-1974 and 1997-1998. Djibouti has had a stint from 1993 to 1994.
Kenya has positioned its bid on the themes of building bridges, regional peace and security; peacekeeping and support operations as well as counterterrorism and prevention of violent extremism.
The country is also positioning humanitarian action — women, peace, and security; youth empowerment; environment and climate change; as well as its commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals agenda.
Under the building bridges agenda, the country has pledged to coordinate permanent and non-permanent members of the council.
A UNSC note on the vote says the country has pledged to continue building bridges between the Security Council, the UN Peacebuilding Commission, and other UN organs.
“Kenya also hopes to promote inclusive and triangular coordination among the Security Council, UN Secretariat and troop-contributing countries,” the notes read.
Kenya has emphasized the “Silencing the Guns” initiative, which highlighted its role in conflict prevention and resolution as well as peacekeeping efforts in Africa.
