Kenya's Ambassador and special envoy Macharia Kamau was on Tuesday appointed to chair the Eighth Advisory Group of the United Nations (UN) Peace-building Fund for a two-year term.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Ambassador Macharia to serve as the Chair of the Eighth Advisory Group consisting of 11 other members.
The UN terms of reference stipulate that the secretary-general appoint eminent individuals nominated by their member states for a term of two years, taking into consideration gender and regional balance.
The appointment comes after the tenure of the seventh Advisory Group ended in April 2024. The advisory, which was expanded to 12 members, will provide valuable guidance to the Fund’s strategy and direction.
Among other things, the advisory will oversee the implementation of the Pact for the Future agreed by world leaders to combat violence in the world. The Pact is a bold recommitment to international cooperation that proposes a strengthened multilateral system, with the UN and its Charter at the centre, to keep pace with a changing world.
Ambassador Macharia who was a former principal secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Uhuru’s Cabinet will chair the 12-member Advisory Group and provide leadership for two years in promoting peace-building activities.
This is in line with the UN’s goals to end violent conflict around the globe, the immense suffering of fellow human beings, and the existential risks humanity faces collectively.
The advisory will be expected to provide recommendations and guidance for the use of the assessed contribution of $50 million (approximately Ksh6.5 billion) annually to the Peacebuilding Fund, agreed in resolution 78/257 which will kick off in 2025.
Kenya’s selection for the prominent role of the chairmanship reflects its growing influence in international affairs, particularly in peacekeeping and diplomatic negotiations.
The appointment signifies recognition of Kenya’s contributions to global peace initiatives, especially within the African continent.
The ambassador is a career diplomat with rich experience with over four decades of experience. He has served as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York since 2010. Prior to that, he served as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to Kenya Mission to the United Nations Office in Nairobi, the United Nations Environment Programme, and the United Nations HABITAT.
He holds an undergraduate degree in History and Economics from the College of Wooster and a master's degree in Social Policy and Planning from Harvard University.
