President William Ruto‘s recent diplomatic reshuffle has seen Ambassador Martin Kimani stint as Kenya’s permanent representative to the United Nations come to an end.
Kimani served the country in that position since December 2020.
His academic pursuits led him to the University of New Hampshire, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in 1996.
Furthering his studies, he obtained a master’s degree in 2003 and a PhD in 2013, both in War Studies from King’s College London, University of London.
Martin Kimani Illustrious Career
The trajectory of Kimani’s career traverses Nairobi, Addis Ababa, and New York City, where he contributed significantly to the United Nations Human Settlements Programme and the United Nations Environment Programme.
In addition, his role as an Associate Fellow at the Conflict, Security & Development Group at King’s College London showcased his commitment to academia and research.
From April 2011 to December 2012, Kimani directed the Intergovernmental Authority on Development Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism in Ethiopia.
This period illustrated his expertise in conflict resolution and early warning systems, reinforcing his commitment to regional stability.
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In 2015, Kimani assumed the position of Director of Kenya’s National Counter Terrorism Centre, emphasizing his dedication to national security.
His subsequent role as the Kenyan Presidential Special Envoy for Countering Violent Extremism further highlights his multifaceted contributions to the nation.
Adding to his portfolio, Kimani took on the role of secretary for the Building Bridges Initiative in December 2018, showcasing his involvement in critical national initiatives.
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Simultaneously, he maintained his position as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations.
His presidency of the United Nations Security Council in October 2021 further underscored his diplomatic prowess.
Kimani’s international standing was amplified during his speech to the UN Security Council on February 22, 2022.
In this address, he criticized Russia’s recognition of separatist-held areas in Ukraine and drew insightful comparisons between the borders of Europe and Africa.
A noteworthy achievement in Kimani’s career came in 2016 when he was bestowed with the prestigious Elder of the Order of the Burning Spear by the then President of Kenya Uhuru Kenyatta.
While President Ruto’s move signifies the end of Martin Kimani’s term, it marks a new beginning for the former Turkana County Speaker of Assembly, Erastus Lokaale.
Ruto’s New Appointee Erastus Lokaale
Nominated by President William Ruto to replace Ambassador Martin Kimani as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Lokaale’s decision a few years ago to transition from a high-profile UN role to local service captured attention.
Erastus Lokaale, was previously engaged in a diplomatic role at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Before his current nomination, he served as the Speaker of the Turkana County Assembly, showcasing a commitment to both international diplomacy and local governance.
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In 2013, after the elections, he was approached for a political position.
However, having just been appointed to oversee a critical Sh5 billion program in the country, he declined the offer, prioritizing the successful completion of his new assignment.
His background as a lawyer, educated at the University of Nairobi and Warwick University, adds to the depth of his qualifications.
