Kenya Secures Slot in the Powerful UN Security Council

Kenya has secured the powerful United Nations Security Council (UNSC) seat as a non-permanent member after defeating Djibouti.

Kenya and Djibouti faced off in the second round of voting on Thursday after both failed to garner enough votes in the first phase on Wednesday.

In the first round of voting, Kenya got 113 votes from the 193 countries that participated in the election while Djibouti scored 78, forcing a run-off between the two.

On Thursday, Kenya garnered 129 votes against Djibouti’s 62, thereby meeting the required two-thirds majority to secure the slot.

Kenya returns to the UN’s most powerful organ from January 2021 after 23 years. Kenya, who has served twice previously as a member of the Council in 1973-74 and 1997-98, will replace South Africa for the 2021-22 period. 

Kenya joins other non-permanent members India, Mexico, Ireland, and Norway who were elected to the council earlier on Wednesday.

UNSC has five permanent members; Russia, the United Kingdom, the United States, China, and France, all of who have veto powers.

The victory means Kenya will be involved in making key decisions such as sanctions, authorizing the use of force to preserve peace and electing judges of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The UN Security Council is responsible for the maintenance of international peace and security.

“The President has termed Kenya's win as a demonstration of the country's growing profile and influence in the community of nations as a steadfast and dependable development partner,” State House said in a statement.

“The Head of State thanked Kenya's competitor in the election, the Republic of Djibouti for being a worthwhile opponent and the African Union for the endorsement as the continent's flag bearer in the contest.”

Uhuru added that Kenya “will endeavor to consolidate and voice Africa's position in the Security Council and will advance its 10-point agenda as outlined during the campaign period.”