President Uhuru Kenyatta has nominated Defence Cabinet Seretary Dr Monica Juma as Kenya’s candidate for the post of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 54 independent and equal countries consisting of 2.4 billion people, and includes advanced economies and developing countries.

Speaking at State House, Nairobi on Monday, President Kenyatta expressed hope that the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit (CHOGM) will consider Dr Juma’s nomination favourably.

Uhuru Kenyatta and Monica Juma. PHOTO/PSCU

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If her nomination is approved, Dr Juma, who previously served as the CS for Foreign Affairs, will become the 7th Secretary General to the Commonwealth.

She has also as Principal Secretary across the security departments of government; namely Defence, Interior and Coordination of National Government, as well as Foreign Affairs.

The president says Kenya believes the Commonwealth remains a primary actor for responding to current hurdles facing its member states and for building a common future.

Raychelle Omamo, Uhuru Kenyatta, Monica Juma and Joseph Kinyua. PHOTO/PSCU

Dr Juma has offered her exemplary service as one of Kenya’s top diplomats.

“Dr 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. She is an exemplar of what we in the Commonwealth hold,” Uhuru said.

He added, “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.”

Uhuru Kenyatta. PHOTO/PSCU

He further appealed to the countries in the Commonwealth to back the Kenyan candidate

“We as Kenyans, seek the support and endorsement from the Commonwealth fraternity,” he added.