Kenyan diplomat Martin Kimani has been appointed to a senior United Nations post covering Africa.
The appointment was announced on Tuesday by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. Kimani will serve as Assistant Secretary-General in the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations.
He succeeds Ghana’s Akyaa Pobee in the role. The position places him at the centre of the UN’s efforts to prevent conflict and support peace across the continent.
A Return to the UN Spotlight
Kimani is no stranger to the world body. He served as Kenya’s ambassador to the UN in New York from 2020 to 2024.
His tenure was marked by a prominent role in the Security Council. Kenya held a non-permanent seat during that period, and Kimani served as council president in October 2021.
A working group on conflict prevention and resolution in Africa was also chaired by him. In 2022, he co-chaired a group focused on climate and security.
Experience Across Diplomacy
Before his return to a senior UN role, Kimani served in several positions at home and abroad.
He was appointed director of Kenya’s National Counter Terrorism Centre in 2015. He also served as the President’s Special Envoy for Countering Violent Extremism until 2020.
Earlier, he represented Kenya at the UN Environment Programme and UN-Habitat. He also led the Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s conflict early warning and response mechanism.
His experience has extended beyond government. He previously served as president and chief executive of The Africa Center in New York. He also led the Center on International Cooperation at New York University.
A Wider Role for Africa
Kimani’s new post will involve conflict prevention, mediation and peacebuilding across Africa.
His appointment comes as the continent continues to face political instability and armed conflict in several regions. The UN role will require engagement with governments, regional bodies and other international partners.
For Kenya, the appointment represents another return to the diplomatic stage for a familiar figure.
Kimani’s record includes service on the Security Council and leadership of several UN development institutions. His experience is expected to inform his work in the new position.
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