President Uhuru Kenyatta disappointed by MPs decision to reject Monica Juma

NAIROBI: President Uhuru Kenyatta Thursday evening expressed his disappointment with National Assembly’s decision to reject his nominee for the post of Secretary to the Cabinet.

In a statement sent to newsrooms by State House Spokesman Manoah Esipisu, Uhuru said the MPs action has denied him and the nation the service of an officer who would have been central to the Jubilee administration’s transformation agenda.

Here is the full statement.

"His Excellency President Uhuru Kenyatta wishes to express his profound disappointment with the National Assembly’s decision to reject the nomination of Amb. Dr Monica Juma as Secretary to the Cabinet.

The President notes that the rejection of this nominee is the spurning of a public servant whose performance has consistently delivered professionalism, integrity and commitment to the duties of government and the wellbeing of Kenyans. In fact, the reasons cited by the Parliamentary Committee, that vetted her for their rejection, reflected her professional and correct demand that proper procedures be followed in the efficient delivery of public services.

The President’s nomination of Amb. Dr Juma was informed by the distinction and success she has earned in serving the nation as the Ambassador to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, as the Defence Principal Secretary, and in her current position of Principal Secretary in the Ministry of the Interior and Coordination of National Government.

Amb. Dr Juma led important reforms at the Interior Ministry, streamlining the functions of County Commissioners, and ensuring that grassroots government officials, such as chiefs, consistently received the funding they required to support their work. She was closely involved in the national government’s initiative to bring mobility to these public servants.

She has also been at the heart of reforms in the Kenya Police Service, where she saw to the improvement of police mobility and welfare, as well as to the provision of equipment.

Given her meritorious service, the President is deeply disappointed that the National Assembly has chosen to reject a public officer whom it acknowledged as being highly qualified and competent, and who indeed represents Kenyan professionalism and dedication to service at their best. That action denies the President, and the nation, the service of an officer who would have been central to the Jubilee administration’s transformation agenda.

The President remains determined to ensure Kenyans are served and the nation is made safer and more prosperous for all."