The United Nations Organisation (UN) has a long history of appointing representatives from various countries to its high-ranking offices. Since its inception in 1945, the UN has been led by a secretary-general, who serves as its chief executive. The appointment process involves the Security Council recommending candidates for the General Assembly to settle on one. The winner must not be objectionable to any of the five Security Council permanent members.
The impact of those who have served as secretary-general, especially in Africa, varies with time and personality. Two Africans, Boutros-Boutros Ghali of Egypt and Kofi Annan of Ghana, have held the position. However, it was Dag Hammarskjold of Sweden and Antonio Guterres of Portugal who stand out for Africa. Guterres has recently made several appointments of Kenyans to high-ranking UN offices, a move seen as a boost to Kenya's influence in global affairs.
In November 2020, Guterres appointed former NCIC Commissioner Alice Wairimu Nderitu as UN advisor on genocide. Two years later, in November 2024, he appointed Macharia Kamau, Kenya's former Foreign Affairs PS and ambassador to the UN, as Chairman of the UN Peacebuilding Fund. These appointments demonstrate Guterres' confidence in Kenyan nationals and their ability to contribute to the UN's mission.
Guterres made another appointment in March 2026, when he appointed Monica Juma to the UN office in Vienna. Three months before leaving office, he also announced the appointment of Martin Kimani as UN Assistant Secretary-General for African Affairs. Kimani gained global prominence in 2022 for using the UN platform to condemn Russia's actions in Ukraine.
The appointments have been welcomed in Kenya, where they are seen as a recognition of the country's growing influence in global affairs. Kenya has a long history of engagement with the UN, dating back to the 1960s when it hosted the UN's environmental headquarters in Nairobi. The country has since maintained a strong relationship with the UN, and these appointments are seen as a further strengthening of that relationship.
Guterres leaves the UN in January 2027, but his legacy is expected to endure. During his tenure, he has worked to promote global cooperation and address some of the world's most pressing challenges. The appointments of Kenyan nationals to high-ranking UN offices are a testament to his commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity within the organization.
The successor to Guterres will face an institution that is different from what it was when he took office. The UN is highly protective of big power interests through the Security Council, and it will be up to the new secretary-general to navigate these complexities and promote global cooperation. For Kenya, the appointments of its nationals to high-ranking UN offices are a source of pride and a recognition of its growing influence in global affairs.
Key points
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed several Kenyans to high-ranking UN offices.
- The appointments demonstrate Guterres' confidence in Kenyan nationals and their ability to contribute to the UN's mission.
- The appointments have been welcomed in Kenya, where they are seen as a recognition of the country's growing influence in global affairs.
