By Peter John
António Guterres has appointed Garry Conille as the new United Nations Resident Coordinator in Kenya, marking a significant leadership transition in the UN’s operations in the country.
Conille, a former Prime Minister of Haiti, takes over from Stephen Jackson, who has served in the role since 2021 and is set to assume a new assignment as Resident Coordinator in China.
In announcing the appointment, the United Nations said Conille brings over two decades of experience in international development, humanitarian work, and public administration. His appointment was made with the approval of the Kenyan government, in line with UN procedures.
As Resident Coordinator, Conille will serve as the Secretary-General’s representative in Kenya, leading efforts to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and coordinating engagement between the UN and key stakeholders, including the government, civil society, and development partners.
Conille is no stranger to the role, having previously served as UN Resident Coordinator in Jamaica and Burundi.
His long-standing career within the UN system began with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Haiti and has included extensive work with humanitarian and development organisations.
His appointment also comes with prior familiarity with Kenya.
During his tenure as Haiti’s Prime Minister, Conille visited Nairobi in October 2024 following the United Nations Security Council approval of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission in Haiti.
At the time, Kenya had begun deploying police officers to support efforts to restore stability in the Caribbean nation.
Speaking during that visit, William Ruto highlighted early progress in the mission, expressing optimism that cooperation between the two countries would strengthen security efforts.
Conille also acknowledged challenges facing the mission, including funding and logistical constraints.
His time as Prime Minister, however, was short-lived. In November 2024, Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council removed him from office after just six months, amid political tensions and internal disagreements.
Responding to the decision, Conille questioned its legality, describing it as lacking a proper constitutional basis.
This marked his second stint as Haiti’s Prime Minister, having previously served from 2011 to 2012 under former President Michel Martelly.
Meanwhile, outgoing Resident Coordinator Stephen Jackson formally concluded his tenure with a farewell meeting with President Ruto.
The Kenyan leader praised the strong partnership between Kenya and the United Nations, noting the country’s role as a host to multiple UN agencies and a key hub for international cooperation in the Global South.
Jackson, reflecting on his time in Kenya, cited both progress and ongoing challenges in achieving the SDGs ahead of the 2030 deadline. He noted that while Kenya has made steady gains in several areas, gaps remain, echoing a broader global trend.
He expressed optimism that with urgent reforms—particularly in financing—countries can accelerate progress toward meeting development targets.
Jackson, who is Irish-born, assumed the Kenya role in 2021 and previously served in various UN capacities across Africa, including in Gabon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi.
