Position Papers by Country

Position paper for Kenya

Committee:	GA First
Topic:	Consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures
Paper text:
The Republic of Kenya recognizes the critical importance of practical disarmament measures in the pursuit of sustainable peace and security within the East African region and beyond. As a nation that has experienced the ramifications of conflict, including the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, Kenya firmly believes that disarmament is not merely a military concern but a pivotal aspect of nation-building and community resilience. Kenya's geographical position in a region plagued by various forms of violence, including terrorism, ethnic conflicts, and poaching, emphasizes our commitment to disarmament as a tool for peace consolidation. The Kenyan government has implemented various initiatives aimed at reducing the availability of firearms among civilians and enhancing the security of our borders. This includes community engagement programs and legislative measures to regulate the possession and use of arms. Furthermore, Kenya is actively involved in regional cooperation frameworks such as the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU), which promote disarmament and arms control measures. We advocate for a comprehensive approach that includes education, community dialogue, and economic opportunities that address the underlying factors contributing to violence and insecurity. Moreover, Kenya supports the implementation of international treaties and agreements relating to disarmament, including the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT) and the United Nations Programme of Action on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons. We call upon the international community to enhance support for disarmament initiatives, recognizing that a collective effort is essential to tackle the global nature of arms proliferation. In conclusion, Kenya is committed to the consolidation of peace through practical disarmament measures and urges all member states to collaborate in creating a secure environment where individuals can thrive without the fear of violence. Let us work together towards a future characterized by safety, stability, and prosperity.

Committee:	GA First
Topic:	Implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons and on Their Destruction
Paper text:
In 2023, the Islamic militants Al-Shabaab committed 9 terror attacks across Kenya, killing dozens. Yet these are not isolated incidents and are highlighted by their 2015 slaughtering of 148 people at Garissa University. In conjunction, the use of chemical weapons by non-state actors seeking to kill has been on the rise as groups like the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant's (ISIL) use them in Syria. With extremist terrorist organizations an ever present threat in Kenyan life, and the use of chemical weapons by non-state actors an ever rising threat, it is why The Republic of Kenya strongly believes in the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) mission of destroying chemical weapons and preventing their potential use. In 2023, OPCW was able to declare 100% of all chemical weapon stockpiles responsibly and irreversibly destroyed for all 193 Chemical Weapons Convention Member-States (CWC). However, our work is not finished as the threat of chemical weapons is constantly evolving to now include small-scale production that is harder to track and monitor while track chemicals like chlorine, which cause similar difficulties for the OPCW, are becoming more and more prevalent and dangerous. From March 2011 to April 2017, at least 1,206 individuals were murdered in chemical weapon attacks across Syria. Furthermore, since 1970, 338 chemical weapon attacks have been carried out by non-state actors. What these events go to show is that in places like Syria, or the prominence of non-state actors like ISIL, the re-emergence of chemical weapons is a constant threat as the production and types of weapons continue to adapt. The Republic of Kenya's history with chemical weapon prevention is one of learning, growth, and leadership. In 2011, Kenya accepted Norwegian-funded aid to improve our chemical transportation and trade abilities. In 2022, Kenya joined Nigerian lab techs in the British-funded lab training to better prepare our labs to pass the OPCW Proficiency Tests. In March of 2023, Kenya hosted other Eastern African countries to strategize preventative measures for weapons of mass destruction, while in October of the same year, Kenya hosted 12 other African states and their customs officials in Canadian-funded identification and reporting training for dealing with chemicals in trade. In 2024, Kenya accepted Indian mentorship as they shared their knowledge and practices surrounding chemicals. India also guided us in crafting legislation and regulations, like the Strategic Goods and Control Bill, which would allow us to better control of export, import, re-export, transit and trans-shipment of strategic goods, technology and related services to prevent mishandling that could lead to important technology or chemicals getting into the hands of dangerous non-state actors like Al-Shabaab. It is with these things in mind that the Republic of Kenya presents our recommendations on how to continue OPCW development. Kenya suggests that we must strive to close the gaps in the CWC by continuing to increase non-member state participation like we have done with South Sudan and their observer status. By closing global holes, we make it harder for non-state actors to hide, produce, and proliferate chemical weapons. Kenya also suggests the imposition of economic sanctions on nation-states fostering non-state actors that have any history with chemical weapons or the processes used to make them. A major problem we face with non-state actors and chemical weapons is their small-scale production and use of invisible chemicals, and by creating hostility between the hosts and the guests over the development and possession of chemical weapons, we hope to shrink this threat. Kenya's final suggestion is to continue the development of knowledge and labs in places where such information and technology are less prevalent. The development of Kenyan labs and knowledge has made Kenya into an East African center for anti-terrorism. In developing this knowledge and technology by running programs like those that have trained us to pass the OPCW Proficiency Test, the world becomes a safer place more equipped to handle threats that arise.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Agriculture development, food security and nutrition
Paper text:
Food is the basis of our subsistence. For our minds to learn, our hands to create and our voices to lead, our stomachs must be well fed. UNICEF reports that as of 2023, 29 percent of the world population currently experiences some degree of food insecurity while roughly 750 million people or 9 percent of the world's population currently experience malnutrition. In Kenya alone it is estimated that 2.1 million or 14% of our citizens currently experience high levels of acute insecurity contributing to a summative 49% of our population that experiences some level of acute food insecurity. As a nation whose economic instability and climate crisis has exasperated food security and nutrition, we very well understand the dire effects such an issue has on a nation's development and its people's standard of living. Therefore, the delegation of Kenya supports in the highest regard resolutions that promote agricultural development, food security, and nutrition within states. In that same way, we also understand the powerful impact international cooperation can have in combating such issues, such as the Global Food Security Strategy: Kenya Country Plan, co-developed by our government and the United States whose framework provides an extensive strategy aimed at curbing food insecurity at the individual, household, community and system levels within our country. We reaffirm our support for the Rome Principles for Sustainable Global Food Security mentioned in the Declaration of the World Summit on Food Security (WSFS 2009/2). We note Principle 2's commitment to fostering strategic coordination at the national regional and global levels to promote better allocation of resources and Principle 3's commitment to a twin-track approach that consists of direct action in tackling hunger in the most vulnerable and long- term sustainable programs that eliminate the root causes of hunger and poverty. Additionally we support the World Food Programme's (WFP), created through UN Resolution 1716 (XIV) in December of 1961, mission against the global fight against hunger. We credit our country's successes in combating food insecurity, malnutrition, and developing agricultural production to our continued cooperation with the WFP. And thus call for the continued international support of the WFP so that even the most affected countries can see malnutrition eliminated and food security assured. However, more can still be done. In a time where technology allows us to solve our most dire problems, we call for resolutions supporting initiatives that can increase the efficiency and scope of agricultural production. We call for the economic leaders of our world to pledge their support in combating these issues as a means of creating a more equitable and fed global society.

Committee:	GA Second
Topic:	Development cooperation with middle-income countries
Paper text:
According to the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development, middle-income countries represent 75 percent of the World's population and makeup 1/3 of the World's GDP, yet they account for 62 percent of the world's population living in poverty. Considering these challenges, middle-income countries should deem international cooperation as imperative in addressing these problems. As a lower-middle-income nation experiencing significant economic growth for the past 20 years, the delegation of Kenya supports resolutions that catalyze cooperation between middle-income countries. In Kenya, our GDP has grown 10- fold since 1995, and the birth rate has decreased by 33 percent in that same span. Yet 36 percent of our nation remains in poverty while food insecurity and malnutrition depreciate quality of life. Many of our fellow middle-income countries face similar challenges. We therefore reaffirm our commitment to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2015 (70/1); noting its targeted initiatives to address social inequality, economic struggles, and healthcare needs through international cooperation between member states. We cite our role as a leader within the African Union and our avid support of its Agenda 2063 as a testament to our ongoing commitment to international cooperation in achieving these aims. We believe initiatives proposed by Agenda 2063 such as fostering free market trade and improving technological efficiency in national security, agriculture, and transportation can be adopted internationally by Middle Income countries to achieve prosperity.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Rights of indigenous peoples
Paper text:
Across the globe, indigenous peoples often continue living distinctly from dominant population groups. Many are crucial in their stewardship of land and natural resources. These communities are also recognizable by their adherence to long-standing ancestral traditions and celebration of shared identity. It is essential to offer all such groups adequate means to preserve their languages and ample safeguards to cultural and social integrity. The UN has recognized this fact through numerous events and programs such as the first and second International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples, project- based trust funds, permanent committees and forums. Indigenous people groups tend to be negatively affected by underrepresentation, unmet rights, and lack of propriety autonomy. It is crucial that Member States commit to honoring and preserving the flourishing of all diverse people groups present within their borders. Kenya cautions that overemphasis on self-determination and special rights of such ambiguously-defined communities, under the United Nations Declaration of Indigenous Rights (UNDRIP), has potential to foster conflict, political instability, secession, or systematic legislative veto power in particular national contexts. The Republic of Kenya, along with many other African Union states, is a multi-ethnic nation with over 42 self-identified indigenous communities, recovering from the dire consequences of colonialism and past ethnic conflict. Thus, we are hesitant to champion broad declarations as to the rights of indigenous peoples, without certainty of ample provisions for territorial integrity and state sovereignty. We are nonetheless devoted to the protection and independent rights of these marginalized communities, many being pastoralists and hunter-gatherers, as we ensure they fully overcome economic disempowerment and socio-political exclusion. Funds from the Advisory Group for the projects for the Second International Decade of the World's Indigenous Peoples have been allocated to Kenyan projects in 2007, 2009, and 2012. Kenya has ratified and abides by the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights (ACHPR), is member to the East African Community Court of Justice (EACJ), has had multiple members on the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues (2011-2013, 2014-2016), and continuously works with experts and stakeholders to promote the mainstreaming of issues of minorities and marginalized groups in all spheres of development. For the sustained promotion of cultural and social rights for each ethnic community, we recommend that Member States employ a context-sensitive approach. The rightful empowerment of marginalized communities and indigenous peoples will not be attained in a one-size-fits-all manner. This is demonstrated in the historic ambiguity contained in the title indigenous itself. Thus, we advocate for a multi-sector approach to engaging communities: through enhanced public participation and party representation, strengthened access to education facilities, deliberate head-hunting in governmental hiring practices to circumvent self-exclusion, and the leveraging of local vernacular. Kenya intends to uplift each member of its diverse population as we strive towards unity and cohesion. For our intents and purposes, self-determination can in many cases be antagonistic to our social development, yet this does not indicate jeopardization of rights, liberty, and autonomy. The United Nations should, in its continued emphasis on the rights of indigenous peoples, proceed with acute care for the unique situation of African states, in which the majority of us can be categorized as indigenous and as territory disputes and resource scarcity create real threats to our joint prosperity.

Committee:	GA Third
Topic:	Literacy for life
Paper text:
For almost half a century, countries have been banding together to reduce illiteracy rates worldwide. Solutions have included increasing access to education for all people, targeting gender-based inequalities, promoting adult education programs, and catering to the unique needs of particular disadvantaged groups. The United Nations' 1990 international Literacy Year championed the essential nature of literacy to every individual's universal rights, namely education and social and economic advancement. Literacy empowers us, it provides freedom, and it is the cornerstone of opportunity, thus serving to counteract cyclical poverty, heighten market productivity, and increase quality of life in a multitude of ways. In accordance with our dedication to promoting universal literacy, Kenya is a consistent participant in efforts put forth by the UN and other key stakeholders. Kenya is one of 164 signatories of the Dakar Framework for Action (2000), has developed a UN Youth Association of Kenya branch to preside over youth-related topics such as education, and was part of a draft resolution on UN's Literacy Decade: Education For All (2004). Over 4% of Kenya's GDP goes toward education. Free primary school was introduced in 2002, followed by the achievement of free secondary schooling in 2008 in response to economic hurdles for students continuing education. Consequently, the country boasts an adult literacy rate of 82.88% (2022), its highest thus far and one of the most impressive in the region. Kenya's Vision 2030 details numerous initiatives to further education and TVET capabilities, targeting persisting challenges such as teacher shortages, integration of information technology, geographic access deficits, and more. With reference to persisting challenges, Kenya expresses concern with the economic obstacles to addressing illiteracy challenges. On the national and international level, there is a need for all governing bodies and economic institutions to lend greater material and financial support to efforts to increase literacy in order to meet established joint goals. Many states lack the necessary funds to boost or maintain education infrastructure, especially post-pandemic. Kenya is still faced with high student to teacher ratios, such as 77:1 in the county of Turkana. With enhanced resources, countries could pursue state- specific approaches to filling persisting disadvantages, such as nomadic education centers for pastoral and hunter-gatherer communities which tend to live in arid and semi- arid regions.

Committee:	GA Plenary
Topic:	The human right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment
Paper text:
In 1962, Rachel Carson published a book called, Silent Spring, which illustrated how the environment is very vulnerable and susceptible to human actions like pollution. Due to this and other research, the world started to pay attention to the protection of the environment. Kenya appreciates the actions that many nations across the world have taken to ensure everyone has the right to a clean and safe environment. According to the United Nations Environmental Program, desertification and land degradation has affected around 3 billion people just in 2023. Kenya strongly believes that everyone has the right to a safe, clean and secure environment throughout the world and will fully cooperate with the UN to ensure this. Kenya has faced and still faces many environmental challenges. According to the UNEP, Kenya's environmental issues include: deforestation, poaching, drought, flooding, pollution, water shortages, etc. For example, according to water.org, out of the 54 million Kenyans, 15 million will lack access to safe drinking water. These problems all play their part in damaging and causing problems for Kenya and their environment. Kenya has played their part in the international community to promote the right to have a safe and secure environment. Kenya signed the UN resolution regarding the right to have a safe and clean environment. According to a report from Kenya's fish and wildlife ministry, Kenya also ratified the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification in 1997 and adopted their first National Action Program in 2002 (Kenya Fish/Wildlife). According to the organization Save the Elephants, after President Barack Obama's visit to Kenya in 2016, President Obama and Kenyan leaders signed an agreement that would combat poaching and illegal logging which is rampant in Kenya. Kenya has been and is very open to forming and signing agreements with other countries and the UN. Kenya wants to play their part in helping to ensure the right to a safe and clean environment. Kenya has tried to combat environmental problems in many different ways through governmental policy. In 2022, Kenya launched a massive tree planting program to combat deforestation (Kippra). The goal is to have 30% of tree coverage in Kenya and plant around 15 billion trees in hopes of combating climate change and environmental degradation (Kippra). According to Mulwa Faith from the SCIRP, Kenya's government has ordered the construction of more dams all across the country as well as investing in groundwater storage to try and make use of stormwater to combat water shortages. According to the International Fund for Animal Welfare, Kenyan law enforcement and Tanzania law enforcement both share the same problem in dealing with poachers and have started to coordinate with each other. The Kenyan government has increased the capacity of Kenyan law enforcement in being able to go after and prosecute wildlife traffickers and poachers. (IFAW). Our country's policies show that we are strongly committed to ensure that our citizens have the right to a clean and safe environment. Kenya would like to see many things done about ensuring the right to have a clean and safe environment. Recently, NATO and Kenya have become close allies. With the relationship, NATO could send more surveillance tech and even weaponry to deal with poachers and illegal loggers who are becoming more advanced themselves. Flood Control International is based out of Britain where they make flood barriers for places all over the world (FCI). With the recent devastating flooding in April 2024, Kenya would like to make an agreement with FCI or Britain to help reduce the threat of floods. Pollution is also another big problem in Kenya and Kenya would like to get their hands more on renewable energy sources like Solar, hydro, wind, etc. According to EnergySage, China and the US are huge in producing Solar panels and Wind turbines so Kenya can try and pursue some type of an agreement with China or the US in regards to Solar panels.

Committee:	GA Plenary
Topic:	Safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of United Nations personnel
Paper text:
The impact humanitarian personnel can have on a country in need is quite substantial and should not be ignored. Not only does the country receiving the aid benefit, but those who provide aid for countries in need feel a sense of personal accomplishment and have a sense that they are truly providing a positive for all of those involved. These individuals are putting their lives at risk each day that they take on the challenges that vulnerable communities are facing across the world. Those who explicitly work for the United Nations are in a similar situation and should not be ignored in this conversation. Kenya has been ranked 17th most-at-risk country by the INFORM Risk Index 2023, considering the country's recurrent droughts and floods, pandemics and epidemics, and inter-ethnic conflict. Since 1999 Kenya has had 16 nationals killed and 42 wounded while providing humanitarian aid and on the international side there have been seven killed and six wounded. These attacks are mostly individual attacks, but some are ambushes and raids. While these people have tried to help our nation they have been killed or wounded, something that should never occur. Kenya has already taken steps to advance the protection and security of humanitarian and United Nations personnel since the country began taking refugees from Somalia in 1991. Because this was such a big project, the United Nations and the Government of Kenya has worked closely with international non-governmental organizations to deliver the relief needed. A proper plan was needed to support this cause, which resulted in the Savings Lives Together Framework recommending how to improve safety and security for humanitarian personnel. These recommendations were taken, resulting in Safe and Security Approaches to Field Environments training events in Dadaab, which is considered a high-risk area due to its proximity to Somalia. These trainings cover things like active shooter response, mission planning, convoy security, and life support. Within the United Nations, Kenya has signed the resolution entitled Strengthening of the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief assistance of the United Nations, including special economic assistance from 2011. This resolution is focused on improving the coordination of humanitarian and disaster relief efforts as well as enhancing the global response during crises. While Kenya has received humanitarian assistance in the past, Kenya has contributed at the global level by sending its own people to other countries to provide aid. For example, Kenya has been involved in the African Union Mission in Somalia, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Kenya proposes that to achieve the goal of providing security and protection to humanitarian and United Nations personnel we must make it a point to provide region specific training to those providing humanitarian support. To provide this training, host countries need monetary support from the United Nations in order to provide the most adequate training to ensure the safety and security of humanitarian personnel. Kenya also proposes that protective equipment that is no longer used by the country's military be offered to those providing humanitarian aid, especially in regions where violence is quite prevalent.

Committee:	ECOSOC
Topic:	Empowering people and ensuring inclusiveness and equality
Paper text:
The Republic of Kenya is committed to empowering people and promoting inclusiveness and equality, recognizing these as essential for achieving sustainable development. Despite the challenges, Kenya has made significant progress toward social inclusion and equity through initiatives that focus on economic empowerment, education, healthcare, and social protection. Kenyas Vision 2030 and alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) demonstrate our dedication to creating an inclusive society where no one is left behind. Background Kenya has a young, diverse, and dynamic population, and our government recognizes the need to create an enabling environment for all citizens, particularly marginalized groups, to participate in socio-economic and political development. However, inequality persists in several areas, including gender, access to resources, education, healthcare, and representation for persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups. As a country, Kenya acknowledges that inequality can hinder social cohesion, economic growth, and the potential for individuals to achieve their aspirations. Factors like urban-rural disparities, gender inequality, and limited access to quality services impact many people, particularly women, children, youth, and persons with disabilities. Kenyas Efforts and Achievements Kenya has implemented various programs and policies aimed at empowering its people and promoting equality and inclusiveness: 1. Economic Empowerment and Poverty Reduction The government has invested in several poverty alleviation programs, including the Cash Transfer Program for Orphans and Vulnerable Children, Older Persons Cash Transfer Program, and initiatives for persons with severe disabilities. The National Youth Service (NYS) provides young Kenyans with skills, training, and employment opportunities. Additionally, the Women Enterprise Fund and the Youth Enterprise Development Fund offer financial assistance to empower marginalized groups economically. 2. Gender Equality and Women Empowerment Kenya has made strides in promoting gender equality through policy reforms such as the two-thirds gender rule in Parliament. Womens empowerment is also emphasized through the Uwezo Fund, which provides financial support for women-led businesses. Efforts to curb gender-based violence and promote reproductive health services further reinforce gender equality in the nation. Reducing the gender gap in food and agriculture could have a considerable impact on development, increasing agricultural production by up to 19%, boosting agricultural and global GDP and lifting millions out of poverty. 3. Inclusive Education The governments commitment to inclusive education is reflected in policies that promote free primary and subsidized secondary education, making it accessible to children from all backgrounds. Special education programs cater to children with disabilities, ensuring that no child is denied the right to learn. 4. Access to Healthcare Kenya has undertaken significant health reforms to ensure healthcare inclusivity. The Universal Health Coverage (UHC) initiative is part of Kenyas Big Four Agenda and aims to make healthcare accessible and affordable for all Kenyans, reducing health inequities among the population. While Kenya has made substantial progress, several challenges persist: Socioeconomic Disparities: Inequality remains significant between urban and rural areas, leading to disparities in service delivery and access to resources. Gender Inequality: Although progress has been made, gender discrimination and violence remain critical challenges, particularly affecting women and girls. Youth Unemployment: High youth unemployment rates have hindered social inclusion and economic empowerment. Limited Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities: Access to resources and services for persons with disabilities remains a challenge, requiring more robust interventions to support inclusivity. Kenyas Position and Recommendations Kenya believes that inclusiveness and equality are fundamental to sustainable development and proposes the following recommendations to the United Nations and its member states: 1. Promote Inclusive Economic Growth Encourage member states to adopt policies that support economic empowerment for vulnerable groups, particularly women, youth, and persons with disabilities. Financial inclusion, entrepreneurship programs, and skill development initiatives should be prioritized. 2. Strengthen Gender Equality and Social Protection Systems Advocate for policies that empower women and protect vulnerable populations from social, economic, and physical harm. This includes implementing gender-responsive policies, supporting access to healthcare and education, and addressing gender-based violence. The delegation of Kenya asks that the UN ECOSOC also look into safe and equitable working environments. The rights of employees, prevention of abuses at workplaces, and the promotion of economic development are ways to experience global success. Included in the MDGs is the transformation of decent work and economic growth. As a union, we must promote routes to achieve productive employment and decent work for all. 3. Enhance Access to Education and Healthcare Advocate for universal access to quality education and healthcare, with a focus on rural and marginalized communities. Establish partnerships with international organizations to share best practices and provide technical and financial support to developing nations. 4. Improve Data Collection on Inequality Member states should be encouraged to invest in data collection on inequality to better understand disparities and measure the impact of policies. Reliable data can inform targeted interventions to reduce inequality. Kenya reaffirms its commitment to empowering people and promoting inclusiveness and equality. We believe that by working together, the international community can create a world where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of gender, socio- economic background, or physical ability. Kenya stands ready to collaborate with UN member states in advancing policies and programs that foster equality, inclusiveness, and sustainable development for all.

Committee:	ECOSOC
Topic:	Science, technology and innovation for development
Paper text:
The delegation of Kenya is ready to be a competitor on a global scale. Science, technology, and innovation (ST&I) play a critical role in a country's ability to build and maintain competitiveness in the global economy. For low-income countries, ST&I is essential to experience economic growth in a sustainable way. The Republic of Kenya is largely focused on a future that is full of industrialization and overall national transformation. The economic performance of any country is closely tied to the application of science and technology. There are limitations in the application of technology in the Republic of Kenya though. Lack of investment into ST&I has caused Kenya to come up with some major goals that would drastically change the state. Kenya Vision 2030 is a long-term goal of Kenya's where we want to reach middle-class status all around. Kenya's Vision 2030 seeks a similar transformation of the economy as espoused in the overall goal: Transform Kenya into a newly industrializing, middle-income country providing a high quality of life to all its citizens by the year 2030 in a clean and secure environment. There is little amount for disagreement because there are already African delegates who agree with this. It is our mission for all nation-states to help us reach this goal. Kenya is a signatory to regional and global development initiatives, which pay attention to the role of ST&I in the transformation of economies. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or Agenda 2030 of the UN, specifically SDG nine, calls for increased investment in science and technology, to generate goods and services that can overcome economic and environmental challenges. Agenda 2063 by the African Union also commits to ST&I to improve the spurring innovation of job creation. ][[;The Republic of Kenya will focus on a central platform for promoting ways forward and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals.

Committee:	WHA
Topic:	Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health
Paper text:
Within the topic of global strategies to ensure the health of women, children, and adolescents around the world, there are many different aspects that are important to Kenya. One aspect of critical importance to women and children all over the world and, specifically in Kenya, is the use and availability of contraceptives, for which there is still a lot of unmet need. However, the government has been making strides toward advancing family planning and STD prevention. The percentage of married women with access to contraception has increased from 32% in 2003 to 57% in 2022, though the availability is still significantly less for unmarried women due to social stigma. Kenya's fertility rate is 3.9 births per woman, much higher than the international average of 2.2, with a teen pregnancy rate of 18% and 120,000 unsafe abortions annually. The Kenyan government has passed the 2015 National Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy to increase age-appropriate knowledge in sexuality education and has demonstrated commitment to Family Planning 2030 (FP2030), an organization with a mission to improve access to contraception and women's rights, through budget allocation and policies. In Kenya, public health facilities provide 60% of contraceptives, and it is clear the government recognizes and is attempting to address this issue. Another major issue tied to contraceptive use in Kenya is the ongoing problem of HIV/AIDS. Kenya has actively supported the Joint Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), which works to create a coordinated global response to the ongoing HIV/AIDS crisis, which Kenya is no stranger to. Kenya's HIV prevalence rate is 3.7% in adults, with 16,000 AIDS- related deaths in 2022, compared to the 0.6% prevalence rate worldwide in 2023. Many already vulnerable groups, like women, drug users, and members of the LGBTQ+ community, are at greater risk of disease. Child safety is also a significant concern with this issue as the disease can be passed from mother to child, and there are an estimated 590,000 orphans from parents lost to AIDS in Kenya. The Kenyan government is attacking this issue through community-based and self-testing to help prevent the spread as well as the push for the use of contraception. The government is also pushing HIV testing and counseling, door-to-door campaigns to increase community awareness, and prevention programs to slow the mother-to-child transmission of HIV/AIDS. A further health concern in Kenya and across the world is the continued pervasiveness of female genital mutilation (FGM). Around 21% of women in Kenya between the ages of 15 and 49, with a rising amount of cases since COVID-19 and some even younger than this, have undergone the painful and dangerous process because of societal pressures, which run especially deep in rural areas and among lower-income families and certain ethnicities. Kenya outlawed this practice in 2001with the Children's Act, which also outlawed child marriage, and even more specifically in 2011 with the Prohibition of Female Genital Mutilation Act, with a minimum three-year jail sentence and $2,000 fines connected to the crime, but it continues to persist. Child marriage also remains prevalent, with 23% of girls being married before 18 (the legal marriage age) and a further million girls married before the age of 15. Kenya has expressed its support for the ending of FGM and child marriage through numerous resolutions to recognize these traditional practices as violence towards women and put a stop to them through legislation. Kenya is investing in moving forward in all of these issues to improve the health of women, girls and adolescents.

Committee:	WHA
Topic:	Public health dimension of the world drug problem
Paper text:
Over the past decade, the number of drug users worldwide has risen by 20% with the most recent World Drug Report revealing 292 million drug users across the globe in 2022. While approximately 64 million individuals suffer from drug use disorders in the world, only a reported 1 in 11 affected individuals receive treatment. Posing an additional risk are drug users with already underlying conditions. For example, of the 14.8 million people worldwide injecting drugs, 15.2% have HIV and 38.8% have Hepatitis C. With the rapid increase in drug production and the emergence of new synthetic drugs, drug consumption and disorder is only expected to rise. So too are fatality rates as approximately 0.6 million deaths occur annually from ??psychoactive drugs (i.e. drugs impacting mental functionality). As such, Kenya recognizes the danger this poses across the globe and urges for necessary action toward tackling the world drug problem in order to ensure public health and well-being. Backed by a series of international drug conventions in 1961, 1971, and 1988, the UN continues to lead initiatives in combating the world drug problem and to raise awareness surrounding the adverse public health implications. Recent efforts include partnerships with the WHO and UN Human Rights Council to understand particularly vulnerable, underserved populations amid this crisis. Guided by the foundational principle that all deserve the right to health, the UN has underscored efforts in improving accessibility to treatment, skilled training in health care, and educational programs. Kenya strongly supports UN measures toward addressing the world drug problem and improving health. As noted in 2016 at the Special Segment on UNGASS preparations of the 59th session of the CND, the representative of Kenya stated, My delegation believes that responses to the world drug problem must be in full conformity with the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations. Within its own nation, Kenya has addressed the issue through several key steps including establishing the National Authority for the Campaign against Alcohol and Drug Abuse (NACADA), establishing the National Technical Committee on Drug Trafficking and Abuse, and developing the National Strategy for Prevention, Control and Mitigation of Alcohol and Drug Abuse. Recognizing the importance of accessibility to effective treatment, Kenya aims to create public drug treatment facilities in all of its 47 counties by 2030. Educationally, the Kenya government has also formed a curriculum for Addiction studies for undergraduates. Leaders have also issued restrictions on harmful and addictive drugs, such as witnessed through Governor Abdulswamad Shariff Nassir of Mombasa banning the circulation and consumption of muguka (a form of the stimulant of khat). As such, Kenya recognizes the complexity of the drug crisis and thus has implemented diversified actions in improving overall health and well-being. To solve this worldwide drug crisis and boost public health, Kenya is dedicated to supporting continued UN initiatives and partnering with organizations such as WHO through its National Health Insurance Fund. Kenyan leaders urge for further commitments in developing skilled health professionals, holistic care options, and innovative substitution therapies. Additionally, considering the economic decisions leaders face, Kenya suggests investment in alternative agricultural markets, such as herbs like rosemary as suggested by Mr. John Mututho, former Kenyan Chief of the Anti-drug Abuse Agency. Ultimately, these measures will combat the world drug problem and instead enhance human flourishing across the globe.

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