New Kenyan envoy to UN Ekitela Lokaale presents credentials to Guterres

Kenya's newly appointed Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ekitela Lokaale, presented his credentials to UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday.

Lokaale, who previously served as the Speaker of the Turkana County Assembly, acknowledged the deep and longstanding cooperation between Kenya and the United Nations.

He pledged to advance peace, stability, development, and human rights while working to further strengthen Kenya's relations with the UN.

He succeeds Martin Kimani, who held the position since December 2020.

Before his role as Speaker, Lokaale served in a diplomatic capacity with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Global challenges

Lokaale's appointment comes at a time of significant global challenges, including ongoing conflicts across Africa.

Kenya has recently taken assertive positions at the UN, including its strong condemnation of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

One of Lokaale's immediate priorities will be overseeing Kenya's involvement in the multinational mission in Haiti, led by the Kenya Police.

He is expected to engage with UN partners to secure additional funding for the mission, which currently faces financial shortfalls.

Additionally, Lokaale will play a key role in advocating for Africa's position at the UN Headquarters in New York, particularly in pushing for reform of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Kenya is a member of the Committee of Ten (C-10) on the Reform of the UN Security Council, a group established by the African Union to advocate for reforms and an African seat on the council.

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