A Kenyan elected head of UN postal union

A former postmaster general of Kenya was elected on Tuesday as head of the United Nations agency that coordinates postal services worldwide.

Bashir Hussein, who has also served as Kenya’s ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, was chosen by delegates at a meeting in Qatar of the Universal Postal Union (UPU).

Ambassador Hussein received 87 votes, edging out Uruguayan candidate Serrana Bassini Casco who got 72 votes.

The result represents an important diplomatic achievement for Kenya, enhancing the country’s standing within the United Nations system.

In remarks immediately following his election, Ambassador Hussein thanked the Kenyan government and its diplomatic team for their efforts.

"You have showed your determination and your investment in this campaign is not in vain," he declared.

In his campaign for the UPU’s top job, Ambassador Hussein acknowledged the competitive challenges that electronic communications poses to many national postal systems.

He pledged to promote "greater use of technology for postal sustainability and environmental conservation."

Ambassador Hussein, who most recently served as chairman of the UPU’s Council of Administration, will oversee the UPU’s international bureau at its headquarters in Berne, Switzerland.

He takes up the office in January and will serve a four-year term.