Kenya’s ambassador to China, Willy Bett, has been elected vice chairperson of the Governing Council of the newly formed International Organisation for Mediation (IOMed) — a landmark intergovernmental body created to promote peaceful dispute resolution through mediation.
The organization was officially inaugurated on Monday in Hong Kong, marking the establishment of the world’s newest platform for state-led dispute settlement. The event was attended by China’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Hua Chunying and Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee.
Ambassador Bett’s election places Kenya at the forefront of global mediation efforts, reinforcing the country’s commitment to promoting dialogue, peace, and cooperation. His role as one of the two vice chairpersons highlights Kenya’s growing diplomatic influence and its reputation as a peace-building nation.
The IOMed Constitutive Instrument, signed on May 30, 2025, by 38 member states including Kenya, establishes the organization as a neutral platform for resolving disputes involving states, investors, and commercial entities. The body aims to offer a flexible, cost-effective, and efficient alternative to litigation and arbitration, while supporting capacity-building in member states.
During the inaugural session, Prof. Teresa Cheng, a senior counsel and former Hong Kong Secretary for Justice, was appointed as the first Secretary General, while Sun Jin was named Deputy Secretary General.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei hailed Bett’s election as a major diplomatic milestone, saying it aligns with Kenya’s long-standing leadership in regional and global peace efforts.
“The IOMed treaty dovetails with Kenya’s proposal for a Convention for the Support, Protection and Acceleration of Conflict Prevention and Resolution,” said Sing’oei.
Kenya continues to play a leading role in stabilizing the East African and Horn of Africa regions, providing a vital base for diplomacy and humanitarian operations. Bett’s election further cements the country’s position as a key architect of global mediation and peace diplomacy.
