Global Spotlight: Uhuru Kenyatta Receives International Award.

Former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta has once again earned global acclaim, this time from the World Health Organization (WHO), for his instrumental role in the landmark WHO Pandemic Agreement. 

The recognition was officially conferred during a high-profile event held on July 10, 2025, at the WHO Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. 

Kenyatta was among a select group of world leaders acknowledged for their dedication to forging a unified global response to future pandemics. The accolade highlights his contribution during the intense negotiation phase leading up to the adoption of the Pandemic Agreement at the 78th World Health Assembly in May 2025. 

Signed by WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the certificate read: 

“His Excellency Uhuru Kenyatta, former President of Kenya. In recognition of your key role in championing and advocating for the WHO Pandemic Agreement that was adopted by the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly on May 20, 2025.” 

The WHO Pandemic Agreement is a groundbreaking pact that unites member states in a commitment to prevent, prepare for, and respond to future pandemics. WHO Director-General Ghebreyesus hailed it as a historic step towards building a more resilient, equitable, and cooperative global health system. 

“The adoption by the World Health Assembly of the Pandemic Agreement was a historic moment in global health. But we would not have reached that moment without sustained political advocacy from the highest levels,” Ghebreyesus stated during the event. 

Uhuru Kenyatta was honoured alongside leaders from 25 other countries, including current and former presidents and prime ministers from nations such as Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, South Africa, Rwanda, Indonesia, and Ukraine. 

This latest international recognition adds to Kenyatta’s growing list of accolades for his diplomatic efforts and global leadership. In 2023, he was honoured for his critical role in mediating peace in Northern Ethiopia, and in 2022, for promoting security and stability in Burundi and the wider Great Lakes region. 

Uhuru’s consistent focus on diplomacy, health equity, and multilateral cooperation has elevated his profile as a global statesman, proving that even after his presidency, his influence continues to shape international policy for the betterment of all.