Kenya elected to the executive board of UNESCO

Kenya has been elected to the Executive Board of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) for the period 2015 to 2019.

The election took place during the 38^th Session of the UNESCO General Conference held at the organization’s headquarters in Paris, France. 

The Executive Board is a powerful decision-making body consisting of 58 Member States. It examines the programme and budget of UNESCO and provides guidance on their implementation. 

The Executive Board is also responsible for interviewing and nominating a candidate for the position of Director-General of UNESCO.

Kenya was elected in a competitive election where there were 11 African countries for 7 seats. Together with Kenya, other African countries that were elected include Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and South Africa.

Through its membership, Kenya will be able to contribute and benefit from UNESCO programmes.

A key achievement has been the upgrading of the UNESCO Office in Nairobi into a Multi-Sectoral Regional Office for Eastern Africa serving 13 countries. 

As a newly elected member of the Executive Board, Kenya is poised to foster its collaboration with UNESCO in particular in the context of the global agenda of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Key dignitaries that  attended the 38^th Session of the General Conference include, Dr. Belio Kipsang, Principal Secretary, State Department for Education, Prof. Collette Suda, Principal Secretary, State Department for Science and Technology, Mr. David Jakaiti, Ag. Principal Secretary, Ministry of Water and Irrigation, Dr. Mzalendo Kibunjia, Director, National Museums of Kenya and Dr. EvangelineNjoka, Secretary General, Kenya National Commission for UNESCO.

Other Delegates included Hon. Daniel Karaba and Hon. Halima Mohamud of the Senate. Also present was Hon. Sabina Chege, Hon. Richard Makenga, Hon Michael K. Munyao and Hon Silverse A. Lisamula from the National Assembly.

In addition to the Executive Board, Kenya was also elected to other key committees including, Vice-President of the 38^thSession of the General Conference of UNESCO and a Member of the United Nations Joint Staff Pension Fund in New York which examines issues related to staff benefits of both UNESCO and the United Nations. 

Kenya was also elected to UNESCO’s Legal Committeewhich handles any legal maters that may arise during the UNESCO General Conference, the Intergovernmental Council of the International Hydrological Programme (IHP) a key programme that supports countries build capacity in the sustainable management of water resources and the Intergovernmental Council of the Management of Social Transformation’s Programme (MOST) which aims to support poverty eradication, youth empowerment and social development programmes.

The elections comes several days after Kenya was also unanimously elected Vice-President for Africa during the 5^th Session of the Conference of Parties to the International Convention against Doping in Sport held at the UNESCO on 29 and 30 October 2015.