Kenya’s outgoing United Nations (UN) envoy Martin Kimani has been appointed Executive Director of the Center on International Cooperation (CIC) at New York University (NYU).
The institution made the announcement on Monday, March 18, indicating that Ambassador Martin Kimani would take over his new role on June 3.
Additionally, the statement said that the ambassador would be ushering a new era of impact at the institution.
The Center on International Cooperation (CIC) is a non-profit research center housed at New York University leading in applied policy that links politics, security, justice, development, and humanitarian issues.
“Ambassador Martin Kimani has been named the new Executive Director of NYU’s Center on International Cooperation (CIC), effective June 3!
“Amb. Kimani brings great expertise in global diplomacy and peace, set to lead CIC into a new era of impact,” the statement read in part.
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His Role at the UN Before Ruto Replaced Him
Ambassador Kimani had been the Permanent Representative and Head of Kenya’s Mission to the United Nations (UN) since December 2020.
He was elected President of the Security Council in October 2021, and chaired the Executive Board of the UN Development Program (UNDP), UN Population Fund (UNFPA), and UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
Prior to that, he served Kenya as Special Envoy for Countering Violent Extremism as the Director of the National Counter Terrorism Centre.
He has also served as the Permanent Representative to the UN Environment Program (UNEP) and UN Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat)
Ambassador Kimani Achievements and Education
At the same time, Ambassador Kimani is a fellow of the African Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. He holds a PhD in War Studies from King’s College London
Further, as Director of the Intergovernmental Authority on Development’s (IGAD) Conflict Early Warning and Response Mechanism, he led cross-border conflict prevention and resolution efforts in the Horn of Africa.
Also, he made important contributions to securing peace and security in South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of the Congo and supported a successful initiative to accelerate East African Community integration.
Ambassador Kimani is a fellow of the African Leadership Initiative and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network. He holds a PhD in War Studies from King’s College London
However, in a gazette notice dated March 8, President William Ruto replaced him with former Turkana County Assembly Speaker Erastus Lokaale.
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Message After Appointment
He shared the news online expressing his excitement for the new appointment. He also hailed the outgoing executive director for exceptional leadership.
“I’m deeply honored to join New York University CIC and its brilliant staff to build ambitious partnerships that deliver real-world impact. I’m especially excited by NY university’s world-class researchers.
“Sarah Cliffe has been an inspirational leader and I look forward to building on her legacy,” he said.
On the other hand, the outgoing executive director hailed him for his ability to build bridges and identify strategic opportunities to strengthen multilateral action.
“Martin Kimani brings many years of experience in international diplomacy, crisis prevention, and the links between peace, justice, equality, and inclusion at the highest level.
“His ability to build bridges and identify strategic opportunities to strengthen multilateral action will be a great benefit to CIC, the United Nations, and the International Financial Institutions in the current period of high geopolitical tension,” noted the statement.
