Kenya elected Vice Chair of new Global Mediation body in Hong Kong
Kenya was represented at the event by its Ambassador to China, Willy Bett, who was elected one of the two Vice-Chairpersons of the organisation’s Governing Council.
Kenya has been elected Vice Chair of the International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), a new intergovernmental body formed to promote the peaceful settlement of disputes globally.
The election took place during the organisation’s inauguration ceremony held on Monday in Hong Kong, the Special Administrative Region of China.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday confirmed that the IOMed was officially launched following the signing of its Constitutive Instrument on May 30, 2025, in Hong Kong, by 38 founding member countries, among them Kenya.
Kenya was represented at the event by its Ambassador to China, Willy Bett, who was elected one of the two Vice-Chairpersons of the organisation’s Governing Council.
According to Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei, the establishment of IOMed is a major stride in strengthening international mediation frameworks and advancing the peaceful resolution of conflicts.
He said the organisation will also provide mechanisms for resolving disputes involving states, investors, and commercial players.
Sing’Oei added that IOMed’s work is expected to boost investor confidence, especially in developing economies, by creating structured, predictable, and efficient dispute resolution processes.
“Kenya’s membership in IOMed aligns with the country’s leadership in mediation and the promotion of peaceful means to dispute settlement,” Sing’Oei said in a statement.
“The IOMed will adjudicate disputes between States, investors and commercial entities through mediation, thereby derisking investments and providing a predictable, flexible, cost-effective and efficient mode of dispute resolution, including capacity building for contracting parties,” he explained further.
Apart from promoting peace and cooperation, the organisation will also support member states in building capacity for domestic mediation and dispute-handling systems.
Kenya’s election comes shortly after another major diplomatic milestone in June, when the country secured a seat on the UN Tourism Executive Council for the 2025–2029 term.
Kenya triumphed over Thailand and Malta in the competitive race, reinforcing its growing influence in global forums.
The latest international appointments reflect President William Ruto’s ongoing push to elevate Kenya’s global profile and position the country among advanced economies such as Singapore and South Korea.
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