President William Ruto has dropped Caroline Mwende Mueke as Kenya’s nominee for the position of East African Community (EAC) Secretary General (SG).
In a letter dated April 15, EAC Affairs Cabinet Secretary Peninah Malonza noted that Mueke has been replaced with Veronica Mueni Nduva, who currently serves as Kenya’s Principal Secretary in the State Department for Performance and Delivery Management at the Ministry of Public Service.
The letter was signed by the EAC Affairs CS Peninah Malonza and addressed to the Chairperson, EAC Council of Ministers Deng Alor Kuol.
“Further to our letter Ref No EAC 4/CONF./2/ Vol. 21(57) of 15th March 2024 informing of a Presidential Action nominating Ms Caroline Mwende Mueke for appointment as the new Secretary General by the Summit, in accordance with Article 67 (1) of the EAC Treaty; we write to inform you the President of the Republic of Kenya has varied the nomination of Ms Mueke to the position of the EAC Secretary General,” read the letter in parts.
“The Republic of Kenya now presents Ms Veronica Mueni Nduva for appointment to the position of the Secretary General of the East African Community.”
Malonza did not, however, give reasons for the changes in nominations.
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When Ruto Appointed Mwende in March 2024
Ruto had initially nominated Mueke on March 15, 2024, to replace the outgoing Secretary General Dr Peter Mutuku Mathuki, whose recall was prompted by his nomination as Kenya’s Ambassador to Russia.
“I hereby notify you that President Salva Kiir has requested the Heads of States to hold an extra-ordinary Summit virtually on April 15, 2024, to be preceded by the EAC Council of Ministers session virtually on the same day to consider the appointment of Ms Caroline Mwende Mueke as the Secretary General of the East African Community,” the letter dated March 28, read.
Mueke was to be sworn in on Thursday, April 18, to become the third Kenyan to hold the post after Francis Muthaura, who served from 1996 to 2001, and Mathuki (2021-2024).
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Who is Veronica Nduva the New Appointed EAC SG
Veronica Nduva was formerly the Principal Secretary of the State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action.
Ms Nduva is also an accomplished governance expert and public sector professional with over two decades of career experience across sectors including the Kenya Government, East African Community, Kenyan Civil Society and the United States Government.
She has written a number of publications on matters of gender, current affairs and global issues highlighting her knowledge on global topical issues and a clear understanding of the public sector and operations, as well as inter-agency collaborations.
Ms Nduva has also received several awards and recognition for exemplary work in Governance from both local and international institutions.
She holds a master’s degree in communication and Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration from the University of Nairobi.
