Philemon Yang, the President of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, is in Kenya for a three-day official visit.
Yang jetted into the country on Tuesday, February 18, and was received by Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’Oei at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport.
The Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary divulged details of Yang’s visit, with the UNGA President set to engage in talks with President William Ruto to bolster cooperation between Kenya and the United Nations.
During the talks, a strong emphasis will be placed on multilateral diplomacy and global priorities.
The high-level discussions, which will also involve Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, will focus on Kenya’s role in international diplomacy, strengthening collaboration with the UN, and addressing pressing regional and global issues.
"The discussions will centre on reinforcing Kenya’s position in multilateral diplomacy, enhancing cooperation with the United Nations, and advancing key regional and global priorities," the statement from Kenya's foreign docket read.
Yang is also set to engage representatives from the United Nations and key private-sector stakeholders.
The statement added: "Beyond meetings with the Head of State and senior government officials, the President of the General Assembly will deliver a public lecture, engage with members of the United Nations community, academia, policy think tanks, innovators, and private-sector stakeholders. Additionally, he will visit green spaces and wildlife conservation areas in Nairobi," the statement added.
"This visit underscores the robust and lasting relationship between Kenya and the United Nations, reaffirming Kenya’s leadership role in regional and global affairs."
Yang's visit to the country comes at a time when Kenya is grappling with notable challenges after the suspension of U.S. foreign aid by President Donald Trump.
The aid freeze directly impacted Kenya as it led to mass job losses and the disruption of essential services following the closure of numerous USAID-funded programs.
President Ruto is expected to capitalize on the UNGA President's visit to strengthen ties with the UN to possibly open avenues for alternative support and resources from international partners.
