Details of President Ruto's talks with UN boss Antonio Guterres in New York

The meeting between the two leaders focused on peace and security, Kenya’s membership of the UN Security Council, climate change and the humanitarian crisis in the region.

President Ruto said Kenya will continue playing its role to enhance peace, security and stability in the region.  

The Head of State assured Mr Guterres that Kenya will continue working with the UN and other international partners to solve long-standing conflicts, poverty and vulnerability to climate change in the region.

He pointed out that the country values the important role the UN plays in inspiring a more just, peaceful and equitable world.

The Secretary-General stressed the importance of Kenya’s support and leadership in the promotion of peace in the region. The UN boss called for concrete and honest discussions with development partners to complement humanitarian action.  

Kenya has been an anchor for peace, security and stability in eastern Africa and the Horn of Africa. It is one of the leading contributors to UN peacekeeping missions. The country continues to play a leading role in mediating tensions and conflicts in neighbouring countries. 

At the same time, the worsening humanitarian situation arising from the prolonged drought in Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia has attracted high-level attention at the 77th UN General Assembly in New York. 

An event on the sidelines of the General Assembly, Responding to the Urgent Humanitarian Needs in the Horn of Africa, was held at the UN headquarters. 

The objective was to raise awareness of the worsening humanitarian situation in Somalia, Ethiopia and Kenya due to drought, the worst in 40 years.

The leaders who spoke at the event called on the international community to take urgent action to prevent imminent catastrophe. 

The meeting was convened by the governments of Italy, the United States, United Kingdom, Qatar, Kenya, Ethiopia and Somalia in cooperation with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.