Kenya's Diplomatic Win in Global Mediation

Kenya has been elected as a Vice-Chairperson of the newly established International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed), a significant diplomatic achievement that places the East African nation in a key leadership position within the world's newest intergovernmental body dedicated to peaceful dispute resolution. The election took place during IOMed's inauguration ceremony held on Monday, October 20, 2025, in Hong Kong, a Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China.

Ambassador Willy Bett, Kenya's envoy to China, will represent the country on IOMed's Governing Council as one of its two Vice-Chairpersons. This appointment underscores international confidence in Kenya's diplomatic capabilities and its commitment to fostering global peace and stability.

Establishment and Mandate of IOMed

The International Organisation for Mediation was officially inaugurated following the signing of its Constitutive Instrument on Friday, May 30, 2025, in Hong Kong. A total of 38 countries, including Kenya, were signatories to this foundational document. The establishment of IOMed is viewed as a crucial step in strengthening global mechanisms for mediation, offering a structured platform for resolving disputes between states, investors, and commercial entities.

According to Korir Sing'Oei, the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs in Kenya's Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, IOMed's operations are expected to enhance global investment confidence. This will be achieved by providing efficient mechanisms for resolving commercial and investment disputes, particularly benefiting emerging economies. Additionally, the organisation will offer capacity-building initiatives to member states, aiming to strengthen their domestic mediation frameworks.

Kenya's Historical Role in Mediation

Kenya's membership and leadership role in IOMed align with its long-standing commitment to mediation and the promotion of peaceful means for dispute settlement. The country has a notable track record in fostering regional peace and stability, having played a leading role in various mediation efforts, such as the Sudan peace process. Kenya's foreign policy is guided by principles including the peaceful settlement of disputes and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, as outlined by the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs.

The nation's active diplomacy in shaping and joining IOMed reflects a broader strategy of multilateral engagement and adherence to a rule-based international order. This also serves to enhance Nairobi's profile as a hub for peacebuilding and legal innovation.

Stakeholders and Implications

The inauguration ceremony in Hong Kong was attended by senior global diplomats, including Ms. Hua Chunying, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China, and Mr. John Lee, Chief Executive of Hong Kong. The IOMed is designed to complement existing institutions like the International Court of Justice by offering a faster and less adversarial process for dispute resolution.

Principal Secretary Korir Sing'Oei stated that IOMed will adjudicate disputes between states, investors, and commercial entities through mediation, providing a predictable, flexible, cost-effective, and efficient mode of dispute resolution. This includes capacity building for contracting parties.

Evidence and Data

• Inauguration Date: Monday, October 20, 2025
• Constitutive Instrument Signed: Friday, May 30, 2025, by 38 countries
• Headquarters: Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China
• Kenya's Representative: Ambassador Willy Bett, elected Vice-Chairperson of the Governing Council
• Mandate: Promote peaceful resolution of disputes through mediation between states, investors, and commercial entities.

What to Watch

The next steps for IOMed include operationalising its Secretariat, recruiting mediators, and establishing regional liaison offices. Kenya's role as Vice-Chair will involve shaping the organisation's strategic direction, promoting African interests, and ensuring equitable participation of developing countries. This leadership position is expected to influence global mediation standards and advocate for fair dispute resolution frameworks.

Kenya's recent diplomatic successes, including its election to the UN Tourism Executive Council for the 2025–2029 term in June, highlight a growing international recognition of its diplomatic influence. These developments align with President William Ruto's broader agenda to elevate Kenya's global standing.