Kenya says it has not chosen a candidate to succeed UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’oei says Kenya has not chosen a candidate, contradicting Musalia Mudavadi’s announcement backing Lana Nusseibeh.
Kenya has denied making a UN chief endorsement, with Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei saying no candidate has its backing. His statement contradicts Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s announcement supporting United Arab Emirates diplomat Lana Nusseibeh.
Speaking on October 27, Sing’oei said the government was still assessing contenders seeking to succeed António Guterres. He also said Kenya was monitoring campaigns and expressions of interest from new candidates.
Conflicting signals over UN chief endorsement
Mudavadi, who also serves as Prime Cabinet Secretary, announced support for Nusseibeh during an October 26 visit to Moscow. He cited her experience in multilateral diplomacy and service within the United Nations system.
He also expressed Kenya’s interest in working with the Emirati diplomat to strengthen cooperation between Africa and the UN. His remarks signalled support for her candidature.
However, Sing’oei said Kenya had not expressed support for anyone at this stage. He expressed confidence that a candidate capable of leading the organisation would secure Kenya’s backing and wider international support.
Sing’oei did not explain the difference between his statement and Mudavadi’s announcement. It therefore remains unclear whether Kenya withdrew an earlier endorsement or the officials differ over its status.
Nusseibeh joins race to succeed Guterres
The UAE formally nominated Nusseibeh, 48, on October 21. She served as its ambassador to the UN from 2013 to 2024 and now holds the minister of state for foreign affairs portfolio.
Meanwhile, other contenders include former Costa Rican vice-president Rebeca Grynspan and International Atomic Energy Agency director-general Rafael Grossi. Guyanese diplomat Carolyn Rodrigues Birkett is also in the race.
Guterres’ second term ends on December 31, 2026. His successor is expected to take office on January 1, 2027.
Security Council holds decisive role
The selection begins with the UN Security Council recommending a candidate to the General Assembly, which makes the appointment. A recommendation needs at least nine votes from the council’s 15 members.
It must also avoid a veto from any permanent member: China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom or the United States. However, the contest has yet to produce a clear frontrunner acceptable to all five.
Kenya hosts the UN headquarters in Africa at Gigiri, Nairobi, alongside the United Nations Environment Programme and UN-Habitat. It has also consistently sought Security Council reforms to improve Africa’s representation in global decisions.
