OPINION: Beyond the speeches: Kenya’s voice at the UN General Assembly

Next week, Kenya will once again take its place at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. This annual gathering of all 193 member states is one of the few moments in global diplomacy where the entire world meets under one roof to reflect, debate and set priorities — a forum where the world speaks with one voice, however diverse and divided we may be.

For Kenyans watching from home, it is natural to ask two questions: What do we as a country hope to give to the world in such a forum, and what do we expect to bring back that will make a difference in our daily lives?

First, what is our place in the Assembly? Kenya brings to the table the credibility of a nation that has weathered many challenges but continues to stand for peace, stability and dignity for all peoples.

Our history as mediators in conflicts across Africa, from Sudan to Somalia and the Great Lakes, has made Kenya a trusted voice for peace. In recent months, Kenya has played an important role in the Nairobi Peace Process on the Democratic Republic of Congo and in regional conversations about stability in South Sudan and Sudan.

These efforts show that Kenya does not speak of peace in abstract terms. We have lived its necessity and continue to invest in it daily. At the General Assembly, we intend to use that voice to urge the world not to abandon diplomacy at a time when conflicts are multiplying and trust among nations is fraying.

We also bring the perspective of a continent that suffers acutely from climate change despite contributing the least to the problem. Kenyans are familiar with the harsh reality of prolonged droughts, unpredictable rains and devastating floods. These are not distant threats. They affect our farmers, our food security and our very way of life.

Kenya has therefore championed a fairer global approach to climate finance, pushing for resources to flow to countries that need them most. Our call for a reformed global financial architecture that can unlock trillions for climate and development is part of this agenda. We hope to show the world that the solutions to our climate crisis can be found in renewable energy, in the ingenuity of young people and in a global financial system that works for all.

Our contribution does not end there. Kenya has emerged as a hub of digital innovation in Africa. From mobile money platforms that have transformed financial inclusion to renewable energy solutions powered by technology, we have lessons to share on how developing nations can leapfrog into the future.

We will take to New York the story of a country determined to harness technology responsibly, ensuring that artificial intelligence and digital platforms are governed in ways that serve humanity rather than divide it. For the Global South, our example demonstrates that innovation is not the preserve of wealthy nations.

Finally, we carry with us the moral weight of solidarity with oppressed peoples, including Palestinians, and the belief that the world must uphold the right of all to self-determination. Kenya’s own struggle for independence instilled in us a deep empathy for those who seek freedom and dignity.

At the General Assembly, we will reaffirm our commitment to the two-state solution and to dialogue as the only path to a just peace.

And what do Kenyans expect us to bring back home? First, partnerships. UNGA is not only about speeches. It is a busy week of side meetings where agreements are signed and new commitments made.

We expect concrete pledges on financing for climate adaptation, renewable energy, health and education. These are resources that will help us deliver on our national development agenda and create opportunities for our citizens.

Second, we bring back influence. A stronger global voice for Kenya means more respect for our businesses, our culture and our young people. It positions us as a destination for investment and tourism, and strengthens our case when we lobby for international positions that can benefit Africa.

Kenya’s successful tenure on the UN Security Council demonstrated that our voice carries weight. We intend to continue building that influence, not for prestige, but for the practical benefits it brings our citizens.

Third, we bring back security dividends. Kenya sits in a tough neighbourhood, but our efforts to secure support for peacekeeping and humanitarian operations in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes will have a direct impact on our own stability. When our borders are safe, our economy thrives. The support we secure in New York for regional missions is therefore also an investment in our own prosperity.

Fourth, we bring back pride. Every time Kenya takes the floor at the United Nations, we remind the world that ours is a nation that believes in fairness, dignity and possibility. That pride belongs to every Kenyan, whether at home or abroad. It is reinforced when the diaspora sees Kenya speaking boldly on the global stage, when young Kenyans see their country shaping international debates, and when our athletes, innovators and peacekeepers are recognized as ambassadors of our values.

The General Assembly is not a magic wand. It cannot solve all the world’s problems in a week. But it remains one of the few places where the world still meets face to face to talk, to listen and to search for solutions. Kenya goes there not only to speak but also to learn, to build partnerships, and to return with opportunities that will matter in our classrooms, our hospitals, our farms and our businesses. That is the balance we seek, and that is what we will strive to deliver.

The writer, George Kamau, is a Foreign Policy Specialist