Why Kenya's diplomacy is under scrutiny as it prepares to host UN human rights hub

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi on December 17, 2024. [Elvis Ogina, Standard] Kenya's diplomatic standing is under renewed focus as Nairobi prepares to host a regional human rights hub, a move seen as bolstering the country's position as a key player in African diplomacy amid scrutiny over its human rights record. Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced the establishment of the multi-country office of the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nairobi, describing it as a strategic win for the city's status as a hub for international organisations. Mudavadi said the decision is expected to strengthen Nairobi's influence in regional affairs and enhance coordination of human rights developments in neighbouring countries. "The United Nations' decision to establish a multi-country presence of the Office of the High Commissioner of Human Rights (OHCHR) in Nairobi further cements the city's status as a preferred host for international organisations," said Mudavadi. "This strategic positioning enhances Kenya's influence in regional and global affairs, reflecting the country's growing importance in shaping African diplomacy and economic development." The decision followed Mudavadi's meeting with Volker Turk, the UN high commissioner for human rights, in Geneva. Mudavadi said the office, the second of its kind in Africa, would collaborate with local bodies to promote human rights and coordinate development activities across countries. "The hosting of such an office underscores Kenya's dedication to promoting and protecting human rights, both domestically and regionally, reinforcing the country's constitutional obligations and international commitments," he added. The announcement comes amid reports of abductions targeting critics of President William Ruto's government and foreigners opposing regimes in their home countries. "Kenya's proactive leadership in upholding human dignity and justice highlights its role as a champion of human rights in the region, contributing to a stronger and more resilient human rights ecosystem across Africa," noted Mudavadi. Nanjira Sambuli, a researcher on tech policy, diplomacy and international affairs, said hosting an international human rights body alone cannot repair Kenya's strained diplomatic relations. "Hosting an international human rights body is good because it brings resources closer to the ground. However, acts of human rights protection are a national function handled by the government. We still have a long way to go. Charity begins at home," Sambuli told The Standard Digital. She warned that the move risks creating a reputation blunder for Kenya without tangible improvements in human rights. "By hosting these organisations, this is an equivalent of greenwashing Kenya's foreign policy. Giving or receiving incentives for an organisation to be domiciled in Nairobi might not change anything on human rights. What I am curious about is whether they will be able to protect human rights in the tech space," she said. To improve foreign policy, Sambuli said: "How you play foreign policies mirrors how you play local policies. Therefore, public participation is also expected in shaping the foreign policy,". Political risk expert Dismas Mokua held a different view, arguing that hosting the UN office recognises Kenya's political stability, foreign affairs policy and constitutional strength. "Kenya has strong human rights credentials and civil society is agile. The judiciary is respected for its institutional independence, with a high court bench dedicated to constitutional and human rights matters-probably a first in the region. International and national civil society have a free hand to pronounce themselves on human rights matters. Kenyans must, however, remain vigilant because there are a few elements in the security sector who assault human rights," noted Mokua. He said setting up the office reflects Nairobi's position as an anchor and growing influence across Africa, with facilities comparable to Geneva and New York. Kenya's foreign policy came under scrutiny recently after Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) hosted an event at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, where they reportedly signed a founding charter to establish a parallel government. Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Kuwait rejected the move, voicing regional opposition to the formation of a rival administration in Sudan. RSF is not the first opposition group to hold talks in Nairobi leading to the formation of a government. Rapid Support Forces (RSF) deputy commander Major Gen Abdul Rahim Hamdan Dagalo at KICC, Nairobi on February 18, 2025. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] The Transitional Federal Government (TFG) of Somalia was formed in Nairobi in 2004 before relocating to Baidoa in 2005. Kenya played a key role in South Sudan's independence by hosting peace negotiations and providing a safe haven for South Sudanese leaders. The Machakos Protocol, signed in Kenya in 2002, paved the way for the Comprehensive Peace Agreement that led to South Sudan's independence in 2011. In November 2018, Felix Tshisekedi, now the DRC President, held a press conference at Serena Hotel in Nairobi, where he announced his presidential bid. With support from top Kenyan politicians, Tshisekedi won the 2020 election in the DRC. Tanzanian opposition politician Tundu Lissu has also made many announcements from Nairobi, stressing the city's role as a diplomatic hub in the region

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