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Kenyan press · Organization

United Nations General Assembly

Also known as: 80th United Nations General Assembly · UNGA81 · 81st United Nations General Assembly · UNGA 81

UN deliberative body that has adopted pandemic declarations, reaffirmed Western Sahara's decolonisation status, and hosted the 81st assembly addressing climate, AI, and governance reforms.

2026-04-282026-10-20

News reports

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In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. September 2026
  2. The Standard

    … and Special Envoy on Technology Ambassador Philip Thigo addressing the media in Nairobi on September 17, 2026 on the Kenya’s participation in the 81st UN General Assembly. [Boniface Okendo, Standard] President William Ruto is set to attend the 81st United Nations General Assembly …

    Ruto to attend 81st UN General Assembly meeting
  3. Capital News

    … The warning emerged ahead of the 81st United Nations General Assembly as rights experts and civil society groups examined growing anti-rights mobilisation and its potential impact on gender equality, sexual and reproductive health and human rights accountability. …

    ‘Family values’ push threatens to roll back women’s rights, advocates warn ahead of UNGA81
  4. August 2026
  5. Citizen Digital

    … The United Green Movement Presidential aspirant has revealed that he will also be seeking to engage with international leaders on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

    Maraga takes Ukatiba Caravan to US diaspora community
  6. July 2026
  7. The Standard

    … When Degan Ali, the Executive Director of Adeso, addressed an official side event of the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September 2023, her warning to the world's largest philanthropies was unflinching. …

    Somali blueprint becomes survival guide for Kenyan NGOs amid aid exodus
  8. Citizen Digital

    … Netanyahu said he intends to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September. …

    Netanyahu revels in removal of 'con job' ICC prosecutor
  9. The Standard

    … Netanyahu said he intends to attend the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September."I intend to come and speak the truth, speak for Israel and for the Israeli-American alliance from the podium of the United Nations," he said. …

    Netanyahu revels in removal of 'con job' ICC prosecutor
  10. Citizen Digital

    … el's Netanyahu to meet Trump at White House on Tuesday By AFP July 25, 2026 04:01 (EAT) Add as a Preferred Source on Google Follow us Follow on Whatsapp Follow on Google Follow on Twitter Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly …

    Israel's Netanyahu to meet Trump at White House on Tuesday
  11. Capital News

    … Nashon Kondiwa made the commitment on Monday during the 2026 High-Level Meeting of the United Nations General Assembly on Improving Global Road Safety at the UN Headquarters in New York. …

    NTSA outlines tougher road safety drive at UN amid rising pedestrian deaths
  12. The Standard

    … WYSD, established by the United Nations General Assembly on July 15, 2014, and first observed in 2015, highlights the critical importance of equipping young people with essential skills, including technical, vocational, entrepreneurial, and digital competencies, to enhance employ …

    World youth skills day: From celebration to global competitiveness
  13. June 2026
  14. Capital News

    NAIROBI, Kenya, Jun 10 — The President of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock has warned that the United Nations’ deepening liquidity crisis is threatening peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance, and development programmes worldwide. …

    UN General Assembly President warns of deep UN liquidity crisis threatening global aid and peacekeeping

Today

  1. Trump endorses Netanyahu ahead of October 27 Israeli election

    US President Donald Trump endorsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of the October 27 vote, with Netanyahu airing a recorded phone call in which Trump predicted Netanyahu's victory and the two discussed potentially attacking Iran together.

    8 hours ago · Citizen Digital →

Friday 16 October

  1. UN committee affirms Western Sahara decolonisation status with 152-vote majority

    The UN General Assembly's Fourth Committee has reaffirmed Western Sahara's status as a decolonisation issue through a recorded vote in which 152 countries, including Morocco, voted in favour, while the US and Israel voted against and seven abstained. The resolution maintains the UN's treatment of Western Sahara as a Non-Self-Governing Territory amid the ongoing dispute between Morocco and the Frente Polisario over the territory's political future.

    16 October 2026 · Capital News →

Tuesday 13 October

  1. UN adopts pandemic declaration; US, Israel, Argentina dissent

    The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a political declaration calling for stronger global cooperation on future pandemic prevention and response, with 153 votes in favour. The US, Israel and Argentina voted against; New Zealand and Paraguay abstained.

    13 October 2026 · Capital News →

Monday 12 October

  1. Kenyan government launches weekly podcast to explain policies

    The Office of the Prime Cabinet Secretary is launching a weekly podcast called the Phantom Podcast to explain government programmes, policies, and Kenya's international engagements. The show debuts on Tuesday, October 13, with initial episodes focusing on President William Ruto's delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

    12 October 2026 · Capital News →

Thursday 8 October

  1. Ruto plans to use Safaricom, Kenya Pipeline share sale proceeds for agriculture

    President William Ruto said funds from selling government shares in Safaricom and Kenya Pipeline will finance agricultural reforms, including constructing 1,250 dams to shift farmers toward irrigation and address food security.

    8 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Tuesday 6 October

  1. Ruto signs $3 billion electric vehicle manufacturing deal

    President Ruto presided over the signing of a $3 billion Memorandum of Understanding on electric vehicle manufacturing between the Government and Endelevu Enterprise Corporation. The integrated green mobility project will include manufacturing and assembly of electric vehicles in Kenya to boost local production and create jobs.

    6 October 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Tuesday 29 September

  1. Netanyahu travels freely despite ICC arrest warrant

    An opinion piece notes that Benjamin Netanyahu, despite an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued in November 2024 for war crimes and crimes against humanity, continues to travel internationally, including to the United States, while European states allow his aircraft passage. The article highlights the contradiction between international isolation he faced at the UN General Assembly and his freedom to move globally.

    29 September 2026 · The Standard →

  2. UAE pledges $10 million for Ebola containment in Africa

    The United Arab Emirates has pledged US$10 million to boost Ebola containment efforts in Africa, while Kenya strengthens surveillance and border preparedness despite having no confirmed cases. Kenya has increased laboratory capacity and emergency response measures as a regional transport and trade hub with heightened risk of disease spread.

    29 September 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 28 September

  1. KAM Vice Chair urges private sector leadership in AfCFTA implementation

    Kenya Association of Manufacturers Board Vice Chairperson Mary-Ann Musangi called for greater private sector involvement in implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area at the Unstoppable Africa 2026 forum in New York, arguing that businesses must be central to transforming the agreement into a functioning continental market and that Africa should shift focus from negotiating the framework to enabling African businesses to produce, invest, trade, and compete across borders.

    28 September 2026 · Capital News →

Sunday 27 September

  1. Ruto's UN speech criticized for misrepresenting Kenya's domestic reality

    President William Ruto is facing renewed criticism over his speech at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, with pundits accusing him of painting a picture at odds with the reality on the ground in Kenya.

    27 September 2026 · The Standard →

  2. HIV funding drops 18% as US backs DRC Ebola response

    International resources for HIV fell by 18 per cent in 2025, the largest decline in almost two decades. At the end of the year, US$17.6 billion was available for the AIDS response in low- and middle-income countries, about 20 per cent below the US$21.9 billion needed annually by 2030.

    27 September 2026 · The Standard →

  3. Ruto criticized for UNGA speech disconnected from Kenya reality

    President William Ruto faces criticism for his speech at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, with pundits accusing him of presenting a picture at odds with conditions on the ground in Kenya.

    27 September 2026 · The Standard →

Saturday 26 September

  1. Kenya launches urban climate resilience framework for Africa

    Kenya has unveiled a new framework called Building Climate Resilience with the Urban Poor (BCRUP) aimed at mobilising climate finance for vulnerable urban communities across Africa, with three instruments announced by Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

    26 September 2026 · Capital News →

  2. Kenya's UN delegation spending raises scrutiny and accountability concerns

    The Standard's editorial criticizes the cost of Kenya's delegation to the 81st United Nations General Assembly, which included seven Cabinet Secretaries and reportedly cost about Sh500 million, arguing that diplomacy must not become an excuse for extravagance when millions of Kenyans struggle with rising costs and deteriorating services.

    26 September 2026 · The Standard →

Friday 25 September

  1. Ugandan lawyer urges Ruto to seek Besigye's diplomatic release

    Kiiza Eron, representing opposition leader Dr Kizza Besigye, has called on President William Ruto to use Kenya's diplomatic channels to seek Besigye's unconditional release and medical evacuation. Eron also called for an independent inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Besigye's transfer, citing Kenya's prior cooperation with Ugandan authorities.

    25 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Ruto's UN reform push scrutinized over delegation costs

    President William Ruto addressed the UN General Assembly calling for greater African representation in global governance and a fairer international financial system, but his message has been overshadowed by domestic questions over the size and cost of the seven Cabinet Secretaries who accompanied him to New York, some of whom were unable to appear before the Senate.

    25 September 2026 · The Standard →

  3. Netanyahu attacks Iran, allies, NYC mayor at UN address

    Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a fiery UN speech on Thursday assailing enemies and allies, including Iran, Britain, France, Turkey, and New York's first Muslim mayor Zohran Mamdani. The address sparked widespread walkouts and jeering in the chamber as Netanyahu, facing reelection in October 27 elections, used the global platform to defend himself against ICC war crimes allegations and attack what he called "moral cowards."

    25 September 2026 · The Standard →

  4. KALRO researchers work to boost Kenya's beef production

    Kenya is turning to improved cattle breeds, better feed, and climate-resilient pastures to increase beef production, raise farmers' incomes, and narrow the country's meat deficit. Scientists at KALRO's Beef Research Institute in Nakuru County are working on animal breeding, nutrition, and pasture development to help farmers produce heavier animals and better-quality beef while improving feed efficiency and reducing production costs.

    25 September 2026 · The Standard →

  5. UN warns governments to prepare for El Niño impacts

    The United Nations has warned governments to convert early weather forecasts into action as El Niño is established and expected to persist into early 2027, with effects including altered rainfall patterns and extreme temperatures. Nairobi is stepping up flood preparations after El Niño rains killed 36 people in the capital earlier this year.

    25 September 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 24 September

  1. Tanzania's president calls for healthcare investment to reduce African maternal deaths

    Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, the African Union Champion for Maternal and Child Health, called for increased investment in healthcare and stronger partnerships to prevent maternal and child deaths across Africa during a speech at the 81st United Nations General Assembly. She emphasized that political commitment and healthcare systems centred on people are essential for progress.

    24 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. US judge orders White House to reinstate banned news outlet access

    A US federal judge ordered the Trump administration to immediately reinstate White House access for CNN, MS NOW, and Politico after their reporters were banned for distributing what the President called "fake news." The judge found that revoking the press passes likely violated constitutional due process rights.

    24 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  3. Kenya and Anthropic sign AI cooperation framework agreement

    Kenya and artificial intelligence company Anthropic have signed a Joint Declaration establishing a framework for cooperation on responsible AI, research, innovation and practical applications aligned with Kenya's national priorities. The agreement covers AI skills and capacity building, research, responsible public-sector applications, AI safety and evaluation, and locally relevant AI use cases in education and health.

    24 September 2026 · Capital News →

  4. Ruto calls for Africa's permanent UN Security Council seat

    President Ruto told the UN General Assembly that Africa's 54 nations remain permanently excluded from Security Council permanent membership despite being frequently subject to its decisions, and called for reform to give the continent equitable and permanent representation with all associated privileges.

    24 September 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  5. Ruto urges UN reform to give Africa permanent Security Council seat

    President William Ruto challenged the post-World War II global order at the UN General Assembly, arguing that institutions created in 1945 no longer reflect modern geopolitical realities and must be reformed to grant Africa a permanent voice in decisions on war, peace and economic governance. Ruto highlighted that Africa's 54 UN member states, representing over a quarter of the General Assembly, have no permanent seat on the Security Council, where five nations hold permanent power that the other 188 do not.

    24 September 2026 · Capital News →

  6. UN chief urges nations to abandon fossil fuels at final climate summit

    Outgoing UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on countries to develop concrete plans to quit fossil fuels and lift their emissions targets, hailing renewable energy as "unstoppable" and the cheapest source of new electricity. Germany became the third country to issue a fossil fuel phase-out roadmap, after France and the Netherlands.

    24 September 2026 · The Standard →

  7. UN chief warns AI power advancing faster than global safeguards

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres told the General Assembly that artificial intelligence is becoming a new form of power—derived from data, computing capacity and algorithms—and is advancing at extraordinary speed, outpacing humanity's ability to understand its consequences. He said the danger lies not in AI itself but in powerful capabilities developing without adequate oversight, accountability and transparency, and called for governments to protect citizens through information sharing, testing cooperation, and common safeguards.

    24 September 2026 · The Standard →

  8. Lamu governor presents peacebuilding model at UN General Assembly

    Governor Issa Timamy presented Lamu County's peacebuilding experience at the 81st UN General Assembly, arguing that lasting peace is built at the community level and that local governments should play a greater role in shaping global peace and security initiatives, while also contributing knowledge drawn from their own experiences.

    24 September 2026 · The Standard →

  9. US pledges $267 million for DRC Ebola response at UNGA

    The United States has pledged $267 million to support response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where the latest WHO figures show 7,733 confirmed cases and 3,732 confirmed deaths across 63 health zones. Africa CDC Director-General called for faster release of emergency funds and stronger domestic financing during discussions at the UN General Assembly on pandemic preparedness gaps.

    24 September 2026 · The Standard →

  10. Tanzania and Rwanda praised for reducing maternal deaths

    At the United Nations General Assembly, Tanzania and Rwanda have been commended for their efforts to combat maternal mortality. The article frames this praise through the personal story of a Kenyan man whose wife suffered life-threatening bleeding complications after childbirth.

    24 September 2026 · The Standard →

  11. African leaders demand greater role in global AI governance

    Angola's President João Lourenço told the UN General Assembly that African voices must shape global rules for artificial intelligence, arguing the continent risks becoming a consumer of systems developed elsewhere. He called for African participation in AI governance, digital public infrastructure, and stronger cybersecurity aligned with the UN's 2024 Global Digital Compact.

    24 September 2026 · The Standard →

United Nations General Assembly — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute