Kenya has secured a non-permanent seat at the UN Security Council (UNSC)after beating Djibouti in second round of voting Thursday 18th June 2020.
In the first round of voting on Wednesday, Kenya garnered 113 votes against Djibouti 78 votes and thus Kenya did not attain the required majority of 128 votes out of 192 member states.
In the second round, 191 countries out of 193 voted. Kenya scored 129 votes, beating Djibouti which got 62 votes.
Kenya’s candidature was endorsed by the African Union but Djibouti contested the endorsement. Kenya will replace South Africa for 2021-22 period.
After 23 years, Kenya now will return to the UN’s most powerful organ where it will be involved in taking part in key decisions on global peace and security.
Some of Those Decisions
Making key decisions on sanctions.
Authorising use of forces to secure global peace.
Involved in electing of judges of International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Will work hand in hand with other five permanent members with veto powers.
The five permanent member states include; Russia, China, UK, US and France.
Kenya will join nine other non-permanent members (India, Mexico, Ireland and Norway) and could get a chance to preside over the Council’s sittings, an influential opportunity to influence agenda.
The victory to clinch the UNSC seat reaffirms Kenya’s strategic position in the community of nations.
