President William Ruto speaking during the New Year Diplomatic Briefing at State House, Nairobi on February 9, 2026/PCSKenya has renewed its call for a more inclusive,
representative and equitable United Nations, urging comprehensive reforms to
strengthen multilateral institutions amid rising global instability and complex
international challenges.
Speaking during the New Year Diplomatic Briefing at State
House, Nairobi, President William Ruto reiterated Africa’s long-standing demand
for reforms of the United Nations Security Council, arguing that the continent’s
continued exclusion from permanent membership undermines the legitimacy and
effectiveness of the global body.
“Africa’s continued exclusion, despite bearing a significant
share of the Security Council’s agenda and peacekeeping responsibilities,
undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of the United Nations,” Ruto said
while addressing ambassadors, high commissioners and heads of international
institutions resident in Kenya.
The President said Kenya hopes for a United Nations that is
better equipped to respond decisively to the complex challenges of the modern
world, ranging from conflict and humanitarian crises to global health threats
and development pressures.
He reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic
engagement with the international community in pursuit of shared prosperity.
“Kenya is committed to strengthening its diplomatic engagement
with the international community for shared prosperity,” Ruto stated.
He further reaffirmed Kenya’s support for a rules-based
international order, calling for renewed backing for multilateral institutions
at a time when global cooperation is under strain.
Ruto said Kenya remains “a firm proponent of a rules-based
international order” that safeguards the sovereignty and territorial integrity
of states, as enshrined in the United Nations Charter.
The President warned that persistent funding shortfalls and
administrative constraints were limiting the UN’s ability to respond
effectively to conflicts, humanitarian emergencies, global health risks and
development challenges.
He noted that a strong and well-resourced United Nations
remains indispensable in addressing the interconnected crises facing the world
today.
Regionally, Ruto called for urgent international action to
restore peace and stability in Sudan through civilian-led engagements, while
also urging the continuation of dialogue and peace efforts in the Democratic
Republic of Congo and South Sudan.
He said regional stability was critical not only for
Africa’s development but also for global security.
Within the continent, the President said Kenya supports a
stronger and better-funded African Union, a more effective Pan-African
Parliament and the operationalisation of the African Court of Justice.
He also reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to the full
implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing
it as a key driver of economic integration and growth across Africa.
Ruto highlighted Kenya’s expanding diplomatic footprint,
noting that the country’s foreign missions have grown from six at independence
to 70 today.
He said the launch of Kenya’s Foreign Policy 2024 was aimed
at aligning the country’s diplomatic approach with evolving global trends.
The policy prioritises regional integration, economic
diplomacy, climate justice and reforms of the international financial system.