UN Names Kenya’s Ambassador Martin Kimani Assistant Secretary-General for Africa

Photo showing Martin Kimani, the newly appointed Assistant Secretary-General for Africa by UN. Photo UN

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Kenyan diplomat Martin Kimani as the new Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO).

According to a statement dated September 15, Kimani will succeed Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee of Ghana, with Guterres expressing his appreciation for her service in the position.

“United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres announced today the appointment of Martin Kimani of Kenya as the new Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO). Mr. Kimani succeeds Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee of Ghana, to whom the Secretary-General is grateful for her dedicated service,”

Martin Kimani Brings 25 Years of International Experience

The United Nations said Kimani brings 25 years of experience in international relations, peace and security, and multilateral diplomacy.

His experience spans government, regional organisations, non-governmental organisations and the private sector.

Kimani previously served as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York from 2020 to 2024.

During Kenya’s tenure as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council from 2021 to 2022, Kimani served as President of the Security Council in October 2021.

He also chaired the Council’s Ad Hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africa and co-chaired its Informal Expert Group on Climate and Security in 2022.

In 2023, Martin Kimani served as President of the Executive Board of three United Nations agencies including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).

His previous international assignments have also involved efforts to address conflict, security and peacebuilding challenges across Africa.

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Before becoming Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Kimani served as the country’s Permanent Representative to the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat from 2012 to 2015.

He later served as Director of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s (IGAD) Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism between 2011 and 2012.

Leadership Roles in International Policy Organisations

The United Nations further revealed that between 2015 and 2020, Kimani served as Director of Kenya’s National Counter Terrorism Centre and as the President’s Special Envoy for Countering Violent Extremism.

Roles that gave him extensive experience in counterterrorism, conflict prevention and security matters.

Beyond government and multilateral diplomacy, Kimani has held leadership positions in international policy and research organisations.

He previously served as President and Chief Executive Officer of The Africa Center, Executive Director of the Center on International Cooperation at New York University, and Deputy Director of the Atlantic Council’s Africa Center.

Meanwhile, Kimani holds a PhD and a master’s degree in War Studies from King’s College, University of London, United Kingdom.

He also holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from the University of New Hampshire in the United States and is fluent in English and Kiswahili.

Kimani’s Appointment Adds to Kenyan Presence at the UN

His latest appointment adds to the number of Kenyans currently serving in senior positions within the United Nations system.

Among them is Monica Juma, who was appointed Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) in March 2026.

Also Read: Monica Juma, Adviser to President Ruto, Appointed United Nations Executive Director

Juma, who previously served as President William Ruto’s National Security Advisor and Secretary to the National Security Council, succeeded Ghada Fathi Waly of Egypt, who served a six-year term from 2020 to 2026.

Her appointment made her the highest-ranking Kenyan official within the United Nations system and the second African to hold the specific UNODC Executive Director position.

Kenya’s representation at the UN is also set to extend to the country’s environmental diplomacy.

President William Ruto has nominated the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s widow, Dr Ida Odinga, for appointment as Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

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