This archive report was first published on 10 July 2020.
July 10, 2020
President Uhuru Kenyatta has thrown his weight behind Amina Mohamed's bid to lead the World Trade Organisation (WTO), describing her as uniquely qualified for the role.
Speaking in Nairobi, President Kenyatta said Amina Mohamed understands the WTO and its processes, having chaired various high-level decision-making bodies.
“Kenya offers Amina Mohamed, a uniquely qualified person, to lead the WTO at this critical time. If selected, she would be the first African and indeed, the first woman to serve at the helm of the World Trade Organisation,” the President said.
Amina Mohamed, a veteran diplomat, is one of three latest entrants in the race to become the next director-general of the WTO. She is currently the Sports Cabinet Secretary and will face stiff competition from seven other candidates, including two from the Africa bloc.
The Director-General of the WTO is appointed through consensus, meaning candidates will have to engage in intense horse-trading ahead of the decision on August 31.
Ms Mohamed had previously contested the seat in 2013 but lost out on a decision made by consensus among member states to appoint Brazilian Robert Azevêdo, whose term ends next month.
