President William Ruto of Kenya is set to deliver the nation's primary address at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York today, Wednesday.

• The General Debate's theme is "Restoring Trust, Managing Transformation: A United Nations that delivers for all".
• Key figures attending include UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of Brazil, and President Donald Trump of the United States.
• President Ruto also participated in discussions on African technological advancement and co-hosted a summit advocating for the reform of international institutions.

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on Kenya and 124 other member states of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to withdraw from the tribunal, labeling it an "out-of-control" and "anti-American" institution.

• Trump made the remarks on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
• Key individuals involved include Donald Trump and Kenyan President William Ruto.
• Kenya has been a member of the ICC since 2005 and has previously been involved in ICC cases stemming from the 2007-2008 post-election violence.

President William Ruto has called for a significant overhaul of the United Nations and the global financial system, stating that institutions established approximately 80 years ago are no longer effective in governing the modern world.

• President Ruto is advocating for reforms to make international institutions more representative and responsive, particularly for developing countries.
• Key individuals involved include President William Ruto, European Council President António Costa, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
• The reforms target institutions created around the time of World War II, with a specific emphasis on increasing African representation on the UN Security Council and improving access to capital for development.

Kenya's critical minerals are gaining significant attention from the United States, with President William Ruto and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio discussing opportunities for American companies to invest in the sector during a meeting at the United Nations General Assembly on September 21, 2026.

• The discussions highlight the US desire to reduce dependence on China for critical minerals.
• Key minerals of interest include rare earth elements and niobium found at Mrima Hill in Kwale County, estimated to be worth billions.
• Kenya is firm on its stance for domestic processing and value addition before export, aiming to retain benefits like skilled employment and technology transfer within Africa.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has officially backed President William Ruto's campaign for a permanent seat for Africa on the UN Security Council.

• Antonio Guterres stated that Africa's lack of a permanent seat on the UN Security Council is "unjust & indefensible" in the 21st century.
• Key figures involved include UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Kenyan President William Ruto.
• Africa currently has no permanent seats on the UN Security Council, which has 5 permanent members and 10 non-permanent members.