Defence Committee Vets Ambassadorial Hopefuls
Five ambassadorial nominees have been vetted by the National Assembly Committee on Defence, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations.
The nominees, Ms. Jessica Muthoni Gakinya (Rabat, Morocco), Hon. Halima Yussuf Mucheke (The Hague, Netherlands), Mr. David Kiplagat Kerich (Washington D.C., USA), Ms. Everylyne Mwenda Karisa (Havana, Cuba), and Dr. Peter Mutuku Mathuki (Moscow, Russia), faced a range of questions regarding their suitability, qualifications, plans for trade relations, and ability to navigate diplomatic affairs.
In a meeting chaired by Hon. Nelson Koech (Belgut),
Ms. Jessica Muthoni Gakinya, nominated for Rabat, Morocco, was put to task on strategies to address Kenya’s negative trade balance.
In response, Ms. Jessica Muthoni Gakinya said, “The people of the Kingdom of Morrocco are consumers of green tea. I will partner with stakeholders and market Kenya’s green tea & coffee, taking advantage of Africa Continental free trade area & utilize the Ports of Tangier & Mombasa. We also have an MOU signed between Kenya and Morrocco for direct flights to boost tourisim”
Hon. Moses Kirima (Central Imenti) also asked, “the Kingdom of Morrocco has been accused of violating human rights against people of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic in Western Sahara. How a”
Hon. Halima Yussuf Mucheke, nominated for the Netherlands, faced questions about her diplomatic experience despite her success as an MP and in the tourism sector. She pledged to pursue opportunities to market Kenyan products. “I want to assure you if you approve me. I will enhance existing trade agreements and look for new markets for Kenyan goods and tourism,” she added.
Mr. David Kiplagat Kerich, seeking the Washington D.C. ambassadorship, was put to task on by legislators his integrity following a letter by EACC to the Committee that acknowdlges the nominee’s being adversely mentioned in a matter under investigation involving recruitment irregularities at Baringo County Assembly where the nominee served as a member.
While responding, Mr. Kerich said, “the EACC issue is affecting the Baringo County Service Board. Not me as an individual. There is no active case against me.”
Regarding trade, MPs sought measures the nominee would take to enhance existing trade agreements with Hon. Elijah Memusi asking, “Kenya has signed several trade agreements including AGOA which is lapsing next year.How will you boost trade with the US?”
Mr. Kerich countered by outlining plans to leverage existing trade partnerships and promote Kenyan agricultural products. He said, ” Through AGOA the USA is Kenya’s biggest export market. I will leverage the trade agreement & increase export volumes. We can sensitize our farmers & traders on AGOA as well as take advantage of the export processing zone to promote the apparel sector.”
Dr. Peter Mutuku Mathuki, a former East African Community Secretary-General nominated for Moscow, Russia, highlighted his experience reducing trade barriers within the East African Community and vowed to bridge the trade gap with Russia, particularly in tea and coffee. However, Members of the Committee questioned him on the challenges posed by Western sanctions on Russia.
On her part, the nominee for Cuba, Ms. Everylyne Mwenda Karisa pledged to seek trade agreements with Cuba particularly in the health sector and tobacco.
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