![[Kenya's Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen. Kenya is seeking stronger partnership with China and East Africa to combat terrorism. Photo/courtesy/Sept' 10, 2026].](https://jambonewsnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/MURKOMEN-180x135.jpg "Kenya seeks stronger China, E. Africa partnership against terrorism")
NEW YORK, USA—President William Ruto has held talks with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in New York, with regional peace and security, Africa’s voice in global decision-making and the future of multilateralism featuring in their discussions.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly as Kenya continues to push for reforms that would give Africa greater representation in international institutions.
Ruto said Kenya remains committed to advancing African-led solutions to peace and security through the African Peace and Security Architecture, as the continent continues to confront conflicts and other security challenges.
The President also raised Kenya’s partnership with the United Nations, particularly the strengthening of the UN Office at Nairobi and the consolidation of Nairobi’s position as the UN’s principal hub in the Global South.
The discussions come at a significant moment for Guterres, whose tenure as UN Secretary-General is approaching its conclusion after a decade at the helm of the world body.
Ruto commended Guterres for his advocacy on reforms to the international financial system, greater African representation and a stronger voice for countries of the Global South.
The Kenyan President said the focus should now be on turning proposals for reform into practical changes within the international system.
The meeting also comes against the backdrop of renewed calls for reform of the UN Security Council, with Guterres himself saying the Council should better reflect the realities of the 21st century and include permanent African representation.
Kenya has also been seeking to strengthen Nairobi’s position as a centre for multilateral diplomacy. In May, Ruto and Guterres broke ground on a new 1,600-seat UN Assembly Hall in Gigiri as part of a wider expansion of the UN Office at Nairobi.
The latest talks therefore bring together three issues that have featured prominently in Kenya’s diplomatic agenda: Africa’s representation in global institutions, regional peace and security, and Nairobi’s expanding role in the multilateral system.
