Kenyan Ambassador Martin Kimani Resigns from Top Role at NYU CIC

Ambassador Martin Kimani, Kenya’s former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has stepped down from his position as Executive Director of the New York University Center on International Cooperation (CIC). His resignation was made public on January 23, 2025, just seven months after taking on the role.

In his statement, Ambassador Kimani reflected on his time at CIC and explained why he decided to leave. He mentioned that his tenure, although brief, gave him important insights into the challenges and opportunities at NYU’s Arts and Science division during a transitional period. He stated that he wants to focus on core areas that have shaped his long career and hinted at sharing more details in the future.

Despite resigning, he expressed confidence in CIC’s future under the interim leadership of Professor Paul Smoke and will remain involved with the organization as a Distinguished Fellow. He emphasized the importance of CIC’s role within NYU and on a global scale.

A Distinguished Career in Diplomacy

Ambassador Kimani has a career spanning over 25 years, significantly impacting global peace, security, and diplomacy. From December 2020 to May 2024, he served as Kenya’s Permanent Representative to the UN. During this period, he played a crucial role in Kenya’s international diplomacy, including leading the UN Security Council as President in October 2021.

His leadership extended beyond the UN Security Council. In 2023, he was the President of the Executive Boards of key UN agencies, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

Before joining NYU CIC, Ambassador Kimani held several high-profile positions in Kenya’s government. He served as the Director of the National Counter Terrorism Centre and was also the President’s Special Envoy for Countering Violent Extremism from 2015 to 2022.

Recognitions and Academic Achievements

Ambassador Kimani’s contributions have earned him several prestigious awards. In 2022, the German Africa Foundation honored him with an award recognizing his efforts in diplomacy and international relations. The Kenyan government has also recognized his service by awarding him the Chief of the Order of the Burning Spear and Elder of the Burning Spear honors.

His academic background further highlights his expertise in global security and international relations. He holds both a Master’s and a PhD in War Studies from King’s College London.

Although stepping down from the executive director role, Ambassador Kimani remains committed to making a global impact. His future plans remain undisclosed, but he has assured that he will continue to contribute to international affairs.

With his departure, CIC is set to move forward under interim leadership, and Ambassador Kimani remains associated with the organization as a Distinguished Fellow. His legacy in diplomacy, peacekeeping, and global governance will continue to shape international relations for years to come.