Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei says Kenya is monitoring contenders seeking to succeed António Guterres and has not settled on a candidate.
Kenya has not endorsed any candidate in the UN leadership race, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has said. The government is monitoring campaigns to succeed United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
In a statement on X on Tuesday, Sing’Oei rejected suggestions that Kenya had already chosen a contender. He also said the government was following developments, including new candidates announcing their interest in the position.
Kenya keeps options open in UN leadership race
Sing’Oei expressed confidence that a candidate capable of leading the organisation through current challenges would emerge. He said such a contender would attract Kenya’s support, as well as backing from most UN member states.
However, the Principal Secretary did not name a preferred candidate or give a timeline for Kenya’s decision. His statement therefore leaves Nairobi’s choice open as campaigns for the position continue.
The clarification sets out Kenya’s current stance without committing the government to any of the contenders. For now, its stated approach remains to monitor the contest rather than announce an endorsement.
How the UN selects its next leader
The UN Security Council recommends a candidate for secretary-general, while the General Assembly makes the formal appointment. As a member state, Kenya participates in the broader diplomatic process surrounding the selection.
The office carries responsibilities across peace and security, sustainable development, human rights and humanitarian affairs. Its next holder will also face armed conflicts, humanitarian emergencies and tensions between global powers.
Against that backdrop, Sing’Oei highlighted the need for a leader with the ability to guide the organisation. The selection will shape the UN’s direction as it addresses security, development and humanitarian challenges.
