Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma on Thursday declared that Kenya would seek more power in the UN by vying for membership in the global body's security council.
Speaking in Nairobi, the CS disclosed that her Ministry would continue to lobby for the recruitment of Kenyans in the international system in order to contribute to global programmes and governance
"As part of this engagement, we shall be seeking for a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council for the period 2021-2022 at the elections to be held during the 74th Session of United Nations General Assembly," she stated.
Using statistics, the CS added that there was nothing unusual about Kenyans being held in foreign jails.
[caption caption="Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma "]
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"At least 1,300 Kenyans are being held in foreign jails; 47 are in Uganda, 79 in Tanzania, and 15 in Ethiopia - and more than 2,000 foreigners in ours," she explained.
CS Juma highlighted that human trafficking was a big business for criminal networks with cartels looking for points of vulnerability to exploit unsuspecting nationals.
"We encourage intelligence sharing within our region. We are holding intense negotiations with Saudi Arabia on protecting Kenyans. We urge all Kenyans to report to our missions wherever they are in the world.
"My door will remain open for continued interaction as I serve our people. I look forward to your continued support and cooperation," she assured.
Her promise to Kenyans in the diaspora was: "We will fast-track negotiations of frameworks and agreements to protect Kenyans while abroad. We will also improve communication with Kenyans even before they leave."
In the event the CS is successful in gaining a non-permanent seat in the UN Security Council, Kenya will have a vote in matters relating to international peace and security.
[caption caption="Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma with CAS Ababu Namwamba"]
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Under the charter that established the 15 member council, it can call on members to apply economic sanctions and other measures not involving the use of force to prevent or stop aggression.
The council can also decide to take military action against an aggressor country.
Currently, Africa is represented by Ethiopia, and Cote d'Ivoire in the council as non-permanent members.
The five permanent members are China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
