Ruto to ramp up campaign for Kenya to host various UN offices amid security fears
By Aloys Michael, September 21, 2025President William Ruto’s visit to the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) comes as the regional security fears, particularly the Jubaland Forces from Somalia.
Kenya’s delegation engagement at the UN seeks to advance not only the diplomatic stature but also its strategic role in fostering peace and security in East Africa as the Sudan crisis deepens.
“Kenya continues to host various UN regional headquarters in Nairobi and provides substantial support for the UN reform process, regional peace and security, the State Department for Foreign Affairs confirmed on Sunday, September 21, 2025, in a briefing.
Jubaland forces have recently sparked fears due to their unpredictable military movements and alliance dynamics, threatening Kenya’s border stability even as the government assures safety.
It is worth noting that Kenya’s peacekeeping efforts in Haiti were praised at the UN General Assembly.
With the theme Better together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights, the UNGA gives Kenya a chance to reinforce its commitment to peace and security, especially given the escalating tensions surrounding Jubaland forces that have unsettled Kenya and the broader region in the North Eastern.
Kenya is expected to emphasise its role in regional stability, highlighting Nairobi’s contributions as a critical hub for peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts.
Kenya’s vested interests
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs underscores Kenya’s position at the UNGA, stating that ‘Kenya will seek partnerships with other countries towards the actualisation of various strategic interests that feed into or complement and support the government’s plan, Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP 4), and Kenya Vision 2030,” the government explained.
Key to the meeting is the enhancement of peace and security mechanisms that protect Kenya’s national interests and safeguard regional stability.
The country’s active participation in peacekeeping missions across the continent, including in Somalia through the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM), reinforces its leadership in addressing threats posed by non-state armed groups.
“Kenya will continue to seek support towards the sustainability of the stabilisation efforts in Sudan, South Sudan (UNMISS), Democratic Republic of Congo, Somalia (AUSSOM) and Haiti (MSS),” reads the official UNGA briefing
Recently, the Kenya-led troops in Haiti successfully recaptured the highly strategic TELECO site in Kenscoff following a night-long operation.
In parallel, Kenya is pushing for a reformed, inclusive, and strengthened United Nations framework that can better respond to the complex security challenges faced by African states.
Ruto’s participation in the 7th Summit of the Committee of Ten (C-10) Heads of State and Government on UN Security Council reforms reflects its broader goal of amplifying Africa’s voice in global peace and security matters.
“The country aims to advance a common agenda for the operationalisation of the African Monetary Fund, the African Central Bank, and the African Investment Bank as critical instruments for achieving macroeconomic stability,” the government noted.
Kenya’s advocacy at the UN also includes a call for renewed international commitment and unity to tackle security threats that undermine development.
This includes tackling illegal arms trafficking, unregulated militia activities, and terrorism, all of which are destabilising factors in the Horn of Africa.