Kenya's UNSC seat boost in war against terror

Two weeks ago, Kenya became a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). This two-year membership of the UNSC could significantly change the trajectory for Kenya in its fight against Al Shabaab.

Indeed, in the 10-point agenda by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the UN during the 2021-2022 tenure, countering terrorism and prevention of violent extremism is listed as point number four. Nairobi considers the Somalia-based Al Shabaab a serious threat to its internal security, but the international community, including the UN, thinks otherwise. In August last year, Kenya petitioned the UN to list the militant group as a terrorist organisation under the Security Council Resolution 1267.