Kenya is now a Non-Permanent Member of the UN Security Council for a period of 2 years starting January 1st 2021. Kenya joins five other permanent members with veto power specifically US, China, UK, Russia, Germany and France in ‘running the World.’
Kenya won in the second round of voting with 129 votes against Djibouti’s 62 votes reaching the required two thirds of the African vote. Other Elected Members to the Security Council include India, Ireland, Mexico and Norway that were earlier voted in on Wednesday. Besides permanent members, Kenya joins other nine non-permanent members to the Council.
To win, Kenya had to garner not less 127 votes representing two thirds majority of the voting bloc of 193 member states. 191 out of 193 members voted, and Kenya won with 127 votes. This was 16 votes more than what was garnered during the first round of voting where Kenya got 113 votes against Djibouti’s 78.
The victory means that Kenya now becomes a key decision maker on global peace and security as Nairobi returns to the most powerful organ of the UN. These key decisions include matters on sanctions, electing judges of International Court of Justice, and authority to use force to preserve peace. It also gives Kenya a chance to preside over the sittings of the Security Council that gives her a dominant position to influence agenda.
Further, the vote solidifies legitimacy for the African Union role in terms of endorsing candidates “to act in its name” among the member states.
The voting began at 4 pm Thursday and results trickled in only after 8 pm. Venezuela was barred from voting because it was in membership arrears.
Kenya put up an intense campaign machinery to woo UN member states for the win. Congratulations Kenya for this win!
Author: Faith Mawia, Head of Content – Fursa Africa.
The Review
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