Kenya elected to UN Human Rights Council

President William Ruto.[ Standard, File]

Kenya has been elected by the UN General Assembly to serve on the Human Rights Council for a three-year term starting 1 January 2025. Other African nations elected include Ethiopia, Gambia, and Benin.

In a statement, the UN noted that these countries will work to promote and protect human rights worldwide during their term, which runs until 2027.

Kenya was elected alongside Bolivia, Colombia, Cyprus, Czechia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iceland, Marshall Islands, Mexico, North Macedonia, Qatar, the Republic of Korea, Spain, Switzerland and Thailand.

The country applied for the council seat on 27 September, committing to advancing and protecting human rights globally.

Kenya's election marks a diplomatic milestone, boosting the country's global standing and positioning it to influence human rights policies on key issues such as gender equality, climate change, and migration.

The role strengthens Kenya's international engagement and reaffirms its commitment to multilateralism and upholding human rights principles.