Kenya has been elected as one of the vice-chairpersons of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed).
In a statement on Monday October 20, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said Kenya was elected to the position during the official inauguration of IOMed in Hong Kong.
Kenya’s Ambassador to China, Willy Bett will represent Kenya in the prestigious position.
“The event graced by H.E. Ms. Hua Chunying, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of the PRC and Mr. John Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Hong Kong, saw H.E Willy Bett, Kenya Ambassador to the PRC, elected as one of two Vice-Chairpersons of the Governing Council of the IOMed,” said Sing’Oei.
During the high-level event, Professor Teresa Cheng who previously served as the Secretary for Justice of the Hong Kong SAR, was appointed the first Secretary General of the IOMed while Dr. Sun Jin, was appointed Deputy Secretary General.
IOMed is the newest intergovernmental organization whose treaty negotiation process began in 2023, with the Constitutive instrument being signed on 30th May 2025 in Hong Kong by 38 countries including Kenya.
The IOMed will adjudicate disputes between States, investors and commercial entities through mediation.
According to PS Sing’Oei the organization will provide predictable, flexible, cost effective and efficient mode of dispute resolution, including capacity building for contracting parties.
“Kenya’s membership to IOMed aligns with the country’s leadership in mediation and the promotion of peaceful means to dispute settlement,” he added.
This comes weeks after the Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga was elected as a member of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) executive committee.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) in an update on September 9 said Ingonga was unanimously elected during the IAP’s 30th Annual Conference and General Meeting in Singapore.
In his remarks following the election, DPP Ingonga expressed humility about the recognition and responsibilities of the position.
“I am humbled by this election and the responsibility that comes with it. Prosecutors play a critical role in the fair administration of justice, and this opportunity allows us to exchange experiences, embrace best practices, and discharge our mandate with integrity, professionalism, and firmness,” Ingonga stated.
