Kenya won the UN Security Council Seat on Thursday after beating Djibouti in the second round of votes.
Kenya and Djibouti were forced to go for the second round of votes after Kenya failed to get the required votes to occupy the seat.
During the second round, 191 countries out of 193 voted. 129 voted for Kenya while 62 voted for Djibouti.
Kenya will be returning to the powerful UN organ from January 2021 after 23 years of being in the cold. Kenya will now be able to take part in making key decisions on global security and peace.
Other non-permanent members of the UN Security Council who had been elected on Wednesday are:
India
Mexico
Norway
Ireland
Non-permanent members do not have veto powers at the UN Security Council as permanent members. Permanent members include:
Russia
The United Kingdom
The United States of America
China
France
READ: Here Are The 10 Functions Of The UN Security Council
With Covid-19 still sweeping across the world, this year’s session did not have a plenary session, the first time in history this happened. This was in an effort to minimize gathering and reduce the risk of spreading Covid-19.
Kenya now finds herself on the world stage where she will be able to influence decisions such as taking part in appointing judges to the International Court of Justice.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs put up a spirited fight in campaigning for the position in almost all International forums. The cost of the campaign has not been revealed but the position might have cost the taxpayer a fortune.
Many people, however, do not understand the functions of the UN Security Council and what Kenya stands to benefit from the position. This is the second time Kenya is occupying the position in 23 years.
What should Kenyans expect from the position? How will the decision impact on Africa as a whole? Only time will tell.
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