Kenya through Ambassador Mike Kiboin urged the nine countries which possess nuclear weapons to embrace disarmament obligations.
Currently, States with nuclear weapons include; the United States, Russia, France, China, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, India, Israel, and North Korea.
Kiboino made the call at the United Nations Disarmament Commission held in May 2024, where he underscored Kenya's commitment to nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
According to the ambassador, this is the only path towards a world free of nuclear weapons.
“Kiboino emphasised the importance of cooperation among member states to overcome barriers in advancing the disarmament agenda while highlighting the risks posed by the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and emerging technologies,” he was quoted as saying.
Calling the United States, China and other nuclear weapons to fulfil their disarmament, he also indicated how other nations could benefit from nuclear power.
Kiboino remarked that the world’s superpowers should respect developing nations' desire to engage in nuclear research.
Kenya is in the advanced stages of setting up a nuclear reactor which is seen as a cheap alternative for electricity in the long term.
Kenya’s call for nuclear disarmament is based on the rationale that nuclear weapons are a threat to global peace and security.
There has been a 2-decade-old tension between Washington and Pyongyang due to the resolve by North Korea to advance its nuclear program.
Additionally, the existence of nuclear weapons has been an issue of security concern in East Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East.
As such, Kenya through Ambassador Kiboino urged all nations to support the UN Disarmament Commission which aims to foster international cooperation in ending the nuclear threat.
“He called for a comprehensive approach that balances innovation with responsible governance and oversight to mitigate associated risks,” it was reported.
