NAIROBI, Kenya: June 29 (Xinhua) — The United States’ envoy to Kenya said on Friday that he has submitted a notice of resignation to be effective on July 28 after differences emerged over his style of management.
In a statement issued by the embassy, Ambassador Scott Gration who has been in Kenya for the past one year, cited differences with Washington regarding his leadership style and certain priorities as some of the reasons that led him to leave his posting.
“It has been a great honor and a profound privilege to be a part of the U.S. State Department team for the past three years and to serve as the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya and as the CEO of Team Kenya since May of 2011. However, differences with Washington regarding my leadership style and certain priorities lead me to believe that it’s now time to leave,” Gration said in the statement.
Gration, who is a retired Air Force major general, was one of the first prominent military officials to embrace Barack Obama as a presidential candidate and he travelled with then senator to Kenya in 2006. Gration, who grew up in Africa, the son of missionaries and speaks Swahili, said he submitted his notice of resignation last Monday to the Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama.
The envoy said the Nairobi assignment has been the perfect opportunity to use his deep-rooted knowledge of Kenya.
“Being the U.S. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Republic of Kenya has been a dream job for my wife (Judy) and me,” said Gration who took over from Michael Ranneberger whose tour of duty ended in 2011.
Gration said he and his wife had been extremely honored to lead Team Kenya, and wished everyone the very best as the east African nation will implement its constitutional reforms, hold elections next year, and proceed with the devolution of political and economic power.
He said he was very proud of his 35-year career of dedicated and honorable service to the great nation, leading at all times with integrity first and the highest ethical standards.
“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,” Gration said. (Xinhua)
