Kenya Defense Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma Nominated for Commonwealth Secretary-General Post

Kenya has nominated Defense Cabinet Secretary Amb. Monica Juma for the post of Commonwealth Secretary-General.

While announcing her nomination, President Kenyatta described CS Juma as a leader with an indisputable track record of strategic leadership, management, representation, and knowledge of government.

“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,” Kenyatta said in a statement.

Uhuru also lauded the former Foreign Affairs CS as a diplomat par excellence, who has performed in all her other capacities.

Amb. Juma previously served as Principal Secretary in the Defense, Interior, and Foreign Affairs ministries.

“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,” said Kenyatta.

“The success of our organization lies in its ability to effectively address the needs of the member states, shape the collective agenda and implement its decisions for the realization of our common aspirations. All these require steadfast leadership at the Secretariat to deliver a dynamic and influential Commonwealth.”

"It is my hope that the next Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit (CHOGM) will consider this nomination favorably," Uhuru added.