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.
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