Capital FM
Friday, June 29, 2012
The United States Ambassador to Kenya Scott Gration has submitted his resignation to Washington citing ‘differences of a leadership style’ and he is expected to leave his Nairobi office on July 28. A statement from the US embassy in Nairobi on Friday morning said that differences with Washington regarding his leadership style and ‘certain priorities’ led him to make the decision to bow out.
“It has been a great honour and a profound privilege to be a part of the US State Department team for the past three years and to serve as the US Ambassador to Kenya and as the CEO of Team Kenya since May of 2011… Accordingly, I submitted my notice of resignation last Monday to the Secretary of State and to the President of the United States of America, to be effective as of 28 July 2012,” the statement sent from the Embassy’s office in Nairobi read.
Gration has been America’s representative to Kenya since May 2011.
The statement quotes him as saying that the opportunity to serve as US ambassador in Kenya was a dream job for him and his wife Judy, because it was a perfect opportunity to use his deep-rooted knowledge of Kenya.
Gration expressed that he was hopeful Kenya would implement its constitutional reforms, hold elections next year, and proceed with the devolution of political and economic power.
“I am very proud of my 35-year career of dedicated and honourable service to our great nation, leading at all times with integrity first and the highest ethical standards,” the statement further said.
“Judy and I are looking forward to returning to the work about which we are so passionate. But as we depart, we will deeply miss Kenya, the Kenyan people, our partners in the diplomatic corps, and our colleagues in the U.S. Mission. Our hearts will remain here with you and with the true friendships that will endure until death,” he added.