New UN Resident Coordinator for Guyana

October 7 2024 – Ms. Jean Kamau, the newly appointed United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator to Guyana, has officially begun her tenure after presenting her letters of credence to President of Guyana, Dr Irfaan Ali.

The formal ceremony took place at the Office of the President recently.

Ms. Kamau, a Kenyan national, succeeds Ms. Yesim Oruç, who served as the UN’s top official in Guyana for the past three years.

A statement from United Nations Guyana indicated that Ms. Kamau brings over two decades of experience in areas including human rights, women’s rights, peacebuilding, governance, and development.

Her extensive diplomatic career has seen her serve in countries such as South Africa, Eswatini, Lesotho, and the United States.

Prior to joining the diplomatic service, Ms. Kamau worked in various roles within the public sector and civil society.

Notably, she served as Country Director for Action Aid International in Kenya and Lesotho and was the first Executive Director of the Federation of Women Lawyers in Kenya.

Ms. Kamau holds a law degree from the University of Nairobi and a master’s degree in Democratic Studies from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.