Kenya clears Sh4.4 billion arrears at UN

Kenya has entered the United Nations roll of honour after being named as one of the UN member states which have cleared all their outstanding dues.

Out of 193 countries, only 31 were fully paid up as of October 11. During the 2012-2013 UN financial year, Kenya paid over Sh4.3 billion as its contribution to the regular budget.

Under-Secretary-General Yukio Takasu paid tribute to Kenya, saying the fulfilment of her financial obligations in its entirety is a clear indication of its commitment to the virtues espoused by the global organisation.

“It is encouraging to note that the number of nations clearing their assessed contributions has gone up from 18 last year to 31,” said Mr Takasu, as he presented the 2012 UN financial report at the United Nation Headquarters in New York.

And a statement from Kenya’s representative to the United Nations Macharia Kamau said the government respects multilateralism and recognises the important role played by the organisation in global affairs as enshrined in the UN Charter.

“We can not afford to ignore our financial commitments to this august body,” said the envoy.

Mr Kamau added that following the gesture, the Kenyan Mission to the United Nations will earn more respect at the assembly of nations and “we can now engage fully, with pride and dignity, in all the functions, privileges and voting rights of the international system.”

The contributions paid by Kenyans include dues for the UN regular budget, peacekeeping, tribunals and Capital Master Plan. The UN operations are financed by both voluntary and assessed contributions from member states.

The regular two-year budgets of the UN and its specialised agencies are funded by contributions from member states after the General Assembly approves the budget and determines the assessment for each member, broadly basing it on the relative capacity of countries to pay.