Kenya was elected to the UN Security Council on Thursday after defeating Djibouti in a run-off vote.
The east African nation will replace South Africa in the non-permanent seat. It received 129 votes against Djibouti's 62.
Niger and Tunisia are currently the other representatives of the African continent on the council.
All non-permanent members serve for two years.
Kenya's President Uhuru Kenyatta said the win was a "demonstration of the country's growing profile and influence in the community of nations as a steadfast and dependable development partner".
He thanked Djibouti for being a "worthwhile opponent" and the African Union for its endorsement.