Kenya has dismissed claims that it has endorsed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) candidate for the United Nations Secretary-General position, clarifying that it has not yet declared support for any candidate seeking the seat.
The clarification follows reports that circulated on social media on Monday, October 26, claiming that Kenya had thrown its weight behind UAE diplomat Lana Nusseibeh, days after President William Ruto hosted a senior Abu Dhabi diplomat in Nairobi.
The claims gained traction after the Office of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi had welcomed Nusseibeh's candidature on behalf of Kenya, raising questions about whether Nairobi had already settled on its preferred candidate.
However, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei clarified that Kenya had not endorsed any candidate, explaining that the government was still monitoring the campaigns and considering the individuals seeking to succeed the outgoing UN chief.
UAE diplomat Lana Nusseibeh, who is eyeing the UN Secretary-General seat.
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OPCS
"Quite the contrary, Kenya has not expressed support for any candidate at this point. We are following the ongoing campaigns for UNSG, including the expression of interest by new candidates," Sing'Oei stated.
Kenya-Uganda Factor
The clarification comes as Uganda's former diplomat and politician Olara Otunnu also seeks the position, with concerns emerging that Kenya's alleged endorsement of the UAE candidate could trigger diplomatic tensions between the two neighbouring countries.
Mudavadi, however, welcomed Nusseibeh's entry into the race, citing her diplomatic experience and expressing Kenya's willingness to strengthen relations between the United Nations and Africa.
"Kenya looks forward to working with her to strengthen the partnership with the United Nations and Africa," Mudavadi stated.
The contest comes as outgoing UN Secretary-General António Guterres prepares to leave office on December 31, 2026, after serving two five-year terms. His successor is expected to assume office in January 2027, with the selection process already underway.
Under the UN Charter, the Secretary-General is appointed by the General Assembly following a recommendation from the Security Council. Kenya, Uganda and other member states will therefore have a role in the final appointment, although the Security Council must first agree on a candidate.
The race is particularly significant for Kenya, which hosts the United Nations Office at Nairobi, alongside the headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat. The Gigiri complex also accommodates several other UN agencies and regional operations.
In May 2026, President Ruto and Guterres launched a major expansion of the UN's Nairobi facilities, including new office buildings and a conference complex, under a Ksh44 billion (USD340 million) investment aimed at expanding the organisation's operations in Africa.
Kenya has also been pushing for reforms within the United Nations, particularly changes to the Security Council to give Africa greater representation in global decision-making.
An undated image of United Nation's Headquarters in New York, US.
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UN