Ban Ki-moon reveals deep connection with Kenya after receiving state award
By Kenneth Mwenda, July 8, 2025Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has expressed deep affection for Kenya, revealing that three generations of his family have built personal and professional ties with the country.
Speaking during the Ban Ki-moon National Award ceremony held at State House on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, the former UN chief described Kenya as a second home.
“I feel such a strong connection with Kenya and its people,” Ban said. “You have meant so much to me both in my professional and personal life.”
Ban, who served as the eighth Secretary-General of the UN from 2007 to 2016, explained that he visited Kenya more than any other African country during his two terms. Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, hosts the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), one of the four global UN headquarters. Thousands of UN workers based in Kenya were under his watch.
Personal ties run deep
But for Ban, the connection to Kenya goes beyond work. He shared that his daughter, Hyun-hee, met her husband while working in Nairobi. The couple has since moved to China but spent many years serving with the in Kenya.
“It was here in Nairobi that my beloved daughter met her husband,” he said. “I made a secret visit when I was Foreign Minister to attend their wedding. I took personal leave and disappeared for several days to celebrate the occasion.”
Ban added that his grandson also spent part of his early childhood in Nairobi, further deepening his family’s bond with the country.
“You can see three generations of my family connected to Kenya,” he remarked with pride. “I am particularly fond of Kenya myself.”
His emotional tribute comes at a time when Kenya continues to play a key role in international diplomacy and environmental policy. The country is home to major UN agencies such as UN-Habitat and the UN Environment Programme.
Ban Ki-moon’s warm words drew applause from the audience, which included Kenyan leaders, diplomats, and young professionals. His story highlighted Kenya’s global importance not only as a diplomatic hub but also as a place that leaves lasting personal impressions on those who serve there.