President William Ruto has reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to a rules-based international order, urging renewed global support for multilateral institutions amid rising geopolitical tensions and instability.

Delivering his annual Diplomatic Address to Heads of Mission and International Organisations at State House, Nairobi, on Monday, the President said Kenya remains “a firm proponent of a rules-based international order” that safeguards the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states as enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

“As the UN marks its 80th anniversary, the world stands at a critical inflection point with multilateralism under increasing strain,” Ruto said, emphasizing that a strong and effective United Nations remains indispensable in addressing complex and interconnected global challenges.

The President cautioned that persistent funding shortfalls and administrative constraints are undermining the UN’s ability to respond effectively to conflicts, humanitarian crises, global health threats, and development challenges. “Kenya, therefore, supports renewed efforts to strengthen and adequately resource the UN system. The defunding of UN agencies weakens multilateral cooperation,” he stated.

Ruto also reiterated Africa’s long-standing demand for comprehensive reform of the UN Security Council, arguing that the continent’s continued exclusion from permanent membership undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of the global body.

“Africa’s continued exclusion, despite bearing a significant share of the Security Council’s agenda and peacekeeping responsibilities, undermines the legitimacy and effectiveness of the United Nations,” he said, renewing his call for permanent African representation on the Council.

Beyond global governance, the President highlighted Kenya’s leadership in climate diplomacy, peace mediation efforts in the Horn of Africa and the Great Lakes region, and its role as lead nation in the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti.

Ruto further reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to expanding the UN presence in Nairobi, noting that the country hosts the only United Nations headquarters in the Global South. He assured continued political, security, and infrastructural support to facilitate the growth of the UN’s Nairobi office, underscoring Kenya’s position as a key hub for international cooperation and diplomacy.

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