Editor's Review

  • The President said he is confident CS Juma will deliver an effective secretariat which will be driven by member state priorities and help boost unity among the states.

President Uhuru Kenyatta has nominated Defence Cabinet Secretary, Amb. Monica Juma for candidate of Secretary General of the Commonwealth.

In a statement announcing her nomination on Monday, the Head of State said he hopes Commonwealth Heads of Government will consider her nomination, in their next meeting.

"Kenya has taken the decision to nominate Amb. Dr. Monica Juma to be the 7th Secretary General to the Commonwealth."

"It is my hope that the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit (CHOGM) will consider this nomination favourably," said President Kenyatta.

The President said he is confident CS Juma will deliver an effective secretariat which will be driven by member state priorities and help boost unity among the states.

He added that Amb. Juma has an indisputable track-record of strategic leadership, management, representation and knowledge of government, regional as well as multinational, and multilateral relations, international development, security and humanitarian issues.

"I have no doubt that Amb. Monica Juma will be a strong consensus candidate, who will deliver an effective Secretariat driven by member state priorities; She will help bolster unity amongst the Commonwealth family, and also enhance innovative partnership that optimizes the impact of our organization," said President Kenyatta.

Juma has previously served as Foreign Affairs CS, Principal Secretary in the departments of Defence, Interior and Coordination of National Government, and Foreign Affairs.

President Kenyatta said Kenya believes that the Commonwealth remains a primary actor for responding to the current challenges facing its member states and for building a common future.