Mukhisa Kituyi Quits Top UN Job to Run for President

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretary-General Mukhisa Kituyi has tendered his resignation.

Kituyi informed UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres that he would step down from his position with effect from February 15th.

“During his tenure, UNCTAD advanced work on trade, investment, finance and technology, offering solutions to the major challenges facing developing countries, particularly the poorest and most vulnerable nations,” Guterres's press office said on Monday.

UNCTAD deputy secretary-general Isabelle Durant will serve as acting secretary-general pending the appointment of Kituyi’s successor.

Kituyi was appointed the seventh UNCTD secretary-general in 2013 and reappointed for another four-year term in July 2017. His current term was due to end on August 31st.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said Kituyi resigned early to run for president during Kenya’s next election.

"He has confirmed to the Secretary-General that he will not officially initiate his presidential campaign until after he separates from his service and responsibilities as an international civil servant with the United Nations," Dujarric said.

While officially declaring his bid for president recently, Kituyi said his main agenda will be to implement policies to improve the country’s economy, adding that his international experience makes him the most suitable person to succeed President Kenyatta.

Kituyi, who served as the Minister of Trade during retired President Mwai Kibaki’s administration, is Kenya’s highest-ranking diplomat in the UN.

He studied political science and international relations at the University of Nairobi, and Makerere University in Uganda.