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H.E. Mr. Ekitela Lokaale
Head of Mission
About the mission
About the Kenya Permanent Mission in New York
Kenya's Permanent Mission in New York represents the Republic of Kenya at the international organisations seated there.
Kenya's Permanent Mission in New York is the Republic of Kenya's delegation to the international organisations seated there.
It advances Kenya's positions across the multilateral agenda, works with partner delegations on shared priorities, and reports to the Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs in Nairobi.
About this mission
Who we are
Our mission
To project, promote and protect Kenya's interests and values within the multilateral framework of the United Nations and contribute towards a just, peaceful and equitable society.
Our vision
To be a centre of excellence in pursuit of Kenya's interests within the multilateral framework of the United Nations.
Our values
- Guided by Article 10(2) and Article 232 of the Constitution of Kenya, the Mission upholds:
- Patriotism — actively fostering loyalty and dedication to Kenya, protecting national interests and safeguarding its sovereignty and brand.
- Integrity — adhering to ethical principles, honesty and consistency in both private and public spheres.
- Sustainable Development — supporting resource use that meets present needs without compromising future generations.
- Good Governance — accountability, transparency and judicious management of staff and resources.
- Inclusiveness — providing customers, staff and stakeholders the opportunity to participate in decisions that affect them.
- Professionalism — a skilled staff committed to performance, responsibility and teamwork.
Our history
- 1963
Kenya joined membership of the United Nations on 16th December 1963, effected by the General Assembly resolution A/RES/1976(XVIII) on the recommendation of the Security Council S/RES/185(1963).
- 1970–1972
Kenya has held membership in ECOSOC in 1970-1972, 1974-1977, 1981-1983, 1989-1991, 2003-2005 and 2019-2021.
- 1973–1974
Kenya has held membership in the UNSC in 1973-1974, 1997-1998, and 2021-2022
Our mandate
What we are here to do
The Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kenya to the United Nations serves as Kenya's delegation to the UN. Its main objective is to advance Kenya's political, economic, social, legal and environmental interests at the United Nations. The Mission addresses a wide range of Kenya's Foreign Policy objectives, including:
Download the full mandatePDF- Promoting sustainable development; Pursuit of global and regional peace and security; Protecting Kenya's sovereignty and territorial integrity; Social, humanitarian and human rights issues; and Enhancing Kenya's global profile and influence through lobbying for Kenya candidatures and strategic placement in the international system, and strengthening of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON). This is achieved through diplomatic activities including dialogue, discussions, meetings, negotiations, lobbying and daily monitoring of UN activities. The Mission promotes multilateral and bilateral relations with representatives of UN Member States and Observer Missions, the UN Secretariat, UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes, and Intergovernmental Organizations. It also works in cooperation with International Non-Governmental Organisations (INGOs) and stakeholders with observer status with ECOSOC, and is mandated to enhance public and cultural diplomacy, diaspora and stakeholder engagement, and the provision of consular services
Service delivery charter
What to expect from us
| Service | What you bring | Fee | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facilitation of Kenya's Participation in UN Conferences, Events, and Committees | Official delegation list / relevant nominations | Nil | As per UN calendar; at least 10 days prior |
| Lobby for Kenya's Individual and Country Candidatures to UN Organs and Bodies | Nomination Curriculum Vitae Cabinet Approval (where applicable) | Nil | At least six (6) months before election/appointment date |
| Facilitation of Meetings with UN Agencies, Missions and Stakeholders | Request letter specifying purpose, participants and timing | Nil | Send request within two (2) working days |
| Dissemination of Information | Request for information where applicable | Nil | Promptly / within one (1) working day For queries requiring extensive consultation, an initial reply shall be given indicating when full response should be expected |
| Provide Diplomatic and Protocol Services (e.g. accreditation support) | Formal request letter, supporting documentation | Nil | Within two (2) working days |
| Payment of Goods and Services | Purchase / Service Order Delivery note / Certification of service Inspection notes / Certification of service | Nil | Within fourteen (14) working days upon receipt of requisite documents |
| Respond to Correspondences (letters, note verbales, emails etc.) | Receipt of correspondences Nil | Nil | Within three (3) working days for letters and note verbales Within two (2) working days for emails For complex issues, an initial reply will be given indicating when full response should be expected |
Heads of mission
Those who have served
- 1963–1970
Amb. Burudi Nabwera
- 1970–1973
Amb. Joseph Gordon Odero-Jowi
- 1974–1982
Amb. Charles Gatere Maina
- 1982–1984
Amb. Wafula Wabuge
- 1984–1988
Amb. Raphael Muli Kiilu
- 1988–1991
Amb. Michael George Okeyo
- 1992–1993
Amb. Ochieng Adala
- 1993–1996
Amb. Francis Kirimi Muthaura
- 1996–1999
Amb. Njuguna Moses Mahugu
- 1999–2001
Amb. Fares Michael Kuindwa
- 2001–2003
Amb. Bob Francis Jalang’o
- 2003–2006
Amb. Judith Mbula Bahemuka
- 2006–2010
Amb. Zachary Dominic Muburi-Muita
- 2010–2018
Amb. Macharia Kamau
- 2018–2020
Lazarus Ombai Amayo
- 2020–2024
Martin Kimani
Our work
Kenya at United Nations
The Kenya Permanent Mission represents the Republic of Kenya before United Nations and the other bodies of the international system seated in New York. We carry Kenya's positions into negotiations, defend our national interests and work with partner delegations to shape decisions that reach far beyond any single capital.
The bodies we represent Kenya in
See where we focus →The people
Our team
Mission leadership
Ms. Monari Yabesh.
Deputy Permanent Representative
Mission team
Mr. Jacob Ondari
Minister/Head of Chancery
Ms. Mercy Odongo
Minister
Dr. Roselyn Anjalo
Minister
Col. Safe Adan
Defence Advisor
Ms. Lydia Tsuma
Financial Attache
Ms. Irene Momanyi
Minister Cousellor
Lt. Col Hellen Kariuki
Assistant Defence Advisor
Ms. Alice Ngethe
Administrative Attache
Mr. Kidali F. Kimbio
Minister Cousellor
Ms. Mary Illavuna
Administrative Attache
Mr. Sammy Kiio
Second Secretary
Mr. Kevin Munene
Second Secretary
Mr. Josephine Nyakiamo
Second Secretary
Mr. Lemmy Sirma
Third Secretary
Ms. Belinda Ojow
Records Attache
For Kenyans abroad
Diaspora
Answers
Common questions
Can the Permanent Mission help with passports, visas or other consular services?
No. A Permanent Mission represents Kenya at the international organisations seated in New York and has no public consular counter. For consular services, contact the Kenya Consulate General in Los Angeles.
I have lost my passport, what should I do?
If you need to travel soon, apply for an Emergency Travel Document. If you are in danger or distress, call the 24/7 consular line first.
Get in touch
Contact us
Enquiry sent
Thank you. We have logged your enquiry under reference and will reply by email within 2 working days.
In an emergency abroad? Do not wait for an email reply. Call the 24/7 consular line on +254 20 331 8888.
Good to know
Before you visit
What to bring
- Your booking reference (book online before you come).
- A valid passport or national ID, and a photocopy.
- The supporting documents for your service.
- Proof of any eCitizen payment for the service.
- Arrive about 10 minutes early, with a pen.
If you live far from New York, ask the mission about honorary consuls or mobile consular clinics near you.
When we're closed
The mission observes Kenyan public holidays and the local public holidays of the United States.
Kenyan public holidays
- 1 JunMadaraka Day
- 10 OctUtamaduni (Huduma) Day
- 20 OctMashujaa Day
- 12 DecJamhuri Day
- 25–26 DecChristmas and Boxing Day
- 1 JanNew Year's Day
- VariesGood Friday, Easter Monday and Eid