Kenya’s Private Sector Endorses CS Juma Nomination as Commonwealth SG

Nairobi — The Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) Wednesday endorsed Defence Cabinet Secretary (CS) Monica Juma’s nomination as the Secretary-General (SG) of the Commonwealth, replacing Patricia Scotland whose first term was set to lapse last year.

President Uhuru Kenyatta a month ago nominated CS Juma as the seventh SG of the organization which comprises 54 nations, the United Kingdom and 53 Countries that were formerly British colonies.

KEPSA Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Carole Kariuki, exuded confidence in her ability to lead Commonwealth and forge great improvements in the private sector.

She made the remarks during a Breakfast Roundtable Meeting attended by KEPSA Chair Flora Mutahi, KEPSA Foundation Vice-Chair Gloria Ndekei, and KEPSA Director Eva Muraya.

“We have no doubt that her stellar educational qualifications, impeccable professional conduct, and integrity as well as experience as a diplomat, positions her well to deliver a prosperous future for Commonwealth member states,” Kariuki said.

She noted that her vast knowledge of regional and multi-national government including multilateral relations as well as international development, security, and humanitarian issues makes her the best fit for the position.

She previously served as the Foreign Affairs CS and was instrumental to the successes of the Commonwealth ministerial action group.

“To echo President Kenyatta, her exemplary service as one of Kenya’s top diplomats establishes CS Juma as a diplomat per excellence” she added.

If elected, CS Juma said she would help foster good relationships and champion for better opportunities for member states.

“I’m very keen to promote trade amongst member states within the Commonwealth as a key component of my connectivity agenda that aims to harness the benefits of digital technologies to widen and intensify opportunities for intra-Commonwealth business interactions,” she added.

The election will take place during the next Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting that will be held in Kigali, Rwanda.

The election date is yet to be announced.