UN: Kenyan Martin Kimani appointed Under-Secretary-General for Africa
António Guterres has appointed former Kenyan ambassador Martin Kimani as Under-Secretary-General for Africa within the departments responsible for political affairs and peace operations.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Kenyan diplomat Martin Kimani as Under-Secretary-General for Africa within the departments of political affairs, peacebuilding, and peace operations. The announcement was made on September 14.
Kimani succeeds Ghanaian Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee. His new role places him among those responsible for conflict prevention, mediation, political engagement, and support for peace processes across the continent.
The diplomat represented Kenya at the United Nations in New York from 2020 to 2024. He served on the Security Council during Kenya’s term from 2021 to 2022 and held the presidency in October 2021.
Previously, Martin Kimani led Kenya’s National Counter Terrorism Centre and served as the presidential special envoy for countering violent extremism from 2015 to 2020. He also directed the IGAD conflict early warning and response mechanism from 2011 to 2012.
In 2023, he chaired the joint board of the United Nations Development Programme, the United Nations Population Fund, and UNOPS. Most recently, he held the position of president and CEO of The Africa Center in New York.
This appointment concludes Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee’s tenure in the role. The UN statement highlights that Martin Kimani brings approximately 25 years of experience in international relations, peace, and security.
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