Kenya Yet to Back Any Candidate for UN Secretary-General, PS Sing’Oei Says

NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 27 — Kenya has not endorsed any candidate in the race to succeed United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei has said.

In a statement posted on X on Tuesday, Sing’Oei dismissed suggestions that Kenya had already taken a position in the contest, saying the government was closely monitoring the ongoing campaigns.

“Quite to the contrary, Kenya has not expressed support for any candidate at this point,” Sing’Oei said.

He added that Kenya was following developments in the race, including the entry of new candidates declaring their interest in the top UN position.

The Principal Secretary expressed confidence that a suitable candidate would emerge to lead the global organisation at a critical time for international cooperation and diplomacy.

“We are confident that a candidate with the capacity to lead the UN at this critical juncture will not only receive our support but that of the majority of Members of the UN,” he said.

Sing’Oei’s remarks signal that Nairobi is keeping its options open as the process to select the next UN Secretary-General gathers momentum.

The position is among the most influential in international diplomacy, with the officeholder responsible for advancing the UN’s mandate on peace and security, sustainable development, human rights and humanitarian affairs.

Kenya’s decision not to endorse a candidate at this stage leaves room for the government to assess the contenders and their leadership credentials before taking a formal position.

The next Secretary-General will face a range of global challenges, including armed conflicts, humanitarian emergencies, geopolitical tensions and pressure to strengthen multilateral cooperation.

Sing’Oei did not identify any preferred candidate or indicate when Kenya might announce its position.

The appointment of the UN Secretary-General involves a recommendation by the UN Security Council, followed by a formal appointment by the General Assembly.

Kenya, as a UN member state, participates in the broader diplomatic process surrounding the selection of the organisation’s next leader.

The outcome will shape the direction of the United Nations as it navigates competing international interests and efforts to address global security, development and humanitarian challenges.