The United States Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, has announced her resignation following the recent presidential election results in the U.S., signaling a leadership transition at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi.
In her statement, Whitman reflected on her tenure since 2022, highlighting efforts to enhance trade, security, and healthcare ties between the U.S. and Kenya. She noted significant progress, including boosting American investments in Kenya and elevating Kenya’s status as the first major non-NATO Ally in sub-Saharan Africa.
Whitman emphasized the importance of her role in strengthening bilateral relations and fostering economic opportunities. “Trade, job creation, and U.S. investments have reached unprecedented levels due to our joint efforts,” she stated.
Acknowledging her service under President Joe Biden, Whitman expressed confidence in the continued partnership between the two nations. She underscored the enduring strength of U.S.-Kenya relations built over six decades.
As the embassy transitions to new leadership under the incoming administration, Charge d’Affaires Marc Dillard will temporarily oversee operations.
Whitman’s resignation comes amid debates over the previous Trump administration’s limited engagement with sub-Saharan Africa, a period marked by controversies over reported remarks attributed to Trump, which his office denied.
