UN lauds Kenya for regional peace-keeping efforts

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has lauded the role played by Kenya in fostering regional peace. 

Guterres said the UN appreciates Kenya's role in Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia and Sudan in the search for lasting peace.

He said UN will continue to support efforts being done by Kenya, IGAD and Africa Union in ensuring cessation of hostilities between the two warring groups in Sudan over the country’s leadership.

"Your clear leadership direction in collaboration with AU and IGAD to address the challenges facing Sudan is commendable," Guterres said.

Guterres was speaking at State House, Nairobi, during a banquet dinner hosted for him and UN Chief Executive Board on Wednesday evening by President William Ruto.

He also praised the efforts by Kenya in the fight against climate change.

Guterres said taking urgent action to combat climate change and its devastating impacts is necessary to save lives and livelihood.

"It's better for countries to share resources than fighting alone issues to do with climate change," said Guterres.

Ruto said Kenya recognises the critical role of the UN in promoting global cooperation supporting sustainable development and addressing global challenges.

"Kenya is a crucial partner of the UN in multiple sectors, including implementing Agenda 2030, supporting the United Nations operations in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region in addressing complex global challenges such as climate change, environmental degradation, biodiversity loss and food insecurity among others,"  Ruto said. 

He said he was confident that the Executives Coordination Board (CEB) meeting will strengthen the role of the UN in delivering its global mandate.

The Head of State said there is need to reform international financing architecture that is fair to 'us and not favor us.

"We need a financing system that treats us equally and not the one that favors us," Ruto said.

He noted that the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region continue to face many crises and natural calamities.

Ruto said Kenya, in collaboration with other Member States, regional organisations and the UN Secretariat, provides political leadership toward resolving the complex challenges.

"Specifically, Kenya has taken a leading role in championing peace in Eastern DRC through the EAC-led Nairobi Process," he said.

"We are keen to work with all international partners to restore peace and security in Sudan. Somalia provides an opportunity to act in concert to consolidate gains made since the deployment of AMISOM in 2007."

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, and several Cabinet Secretaries among others were present.