Kenya to contest for slot in UN Security Council

© AP Photo/Seth Wenig The Security Council meets at United Nations headquarters, Monday, April 9, 2018

Kenya will angle for a non-permanent membership of the United Nations Security Council for two years ending 2022 at the elections to be held during the 74th session of the UN in 2020.

The Cabinet Tuesday approved the plan and a campaign strategy to lobby the members.

Membership of the United Nations Security Council is held by the five permanent members and 10 elected non-permanent members — of whom five are elected annually.

“Membership of the UN Security Council will enhance Kenya’s influence in international decision-making, particularly on matters of peace and security for the benefit of the nation and the region at large. A campaign strategy has already been drawn,” reads the statement by the cabinet.

If successful, the position will give Kenya a pole position as it join the five permanent members for two years in making key decisions that affect not only the region buta lso the rest of the world.

Kenya has been a non-permanent member of the council twice in 1973-1974 and 1997-1998. last year, Kenya failed to clinch the Africa Union chair seat after an aggressive campaign. Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Kuwait, Peru, and Poland were elected to serve as non-permanent UN members for two years starting January.