President Kenyatta welcomes Kenya's UN Security Council elections victory

President Uhuru Kenyatta welcomed Kenya's resounding victory in Thursday’s second round of voting in the elections for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council.

The President termed Kenya's win as a demonstration of the country's growing profile and influence in the community of nations as a steadfast and dependable development partner.

The Head of State thanked Kenya's competitor in the election, the Republic of Djibouti, for being a worthwhile opponent and the African Union for the endorsement as the continent's flag bearer in the contest.

Kenya, the President said, will endeavor to consolidate and voice Africa's position in the Security Council and will advance its 10-point agenda as outlined during the campaign period.

His sentiments were echoed by Deputy President William Ruto who said the victory reaffirms Kenya’s strategic position in the community of nations.

“We will no doubt use this stint at the Council to further the pan-Africanist agenda of peace building, security around the globe and multilateralism.

“Congratulations to our team led by President Uhuru Kenyatta,” he tweeted.

Kenya garnered 129 votes against Djibouti’s 62 in the voting that saw almost all member states vote.

President of UNGA Tijjani Muhammad- Bande announced the winner after the voting exercise that took almost three hours.

The contest between Kenya and Djibouti headed to the second round of voting Thursday after the first phase saw Nairobi’s victory insufficient to win the UN Security Council seat.

In the first round on Wednesday, Nairobi scored 113 votes against Djibouti’s 78.

The rules of the elections demand at least two-thirds of the eligible UN member states voting to be declared the winner.