Why U.S. Ambassador to Kenya has resigned

United States Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, has announced her resignation, informing her team at the embassy that she had officially submitted her resignation to President Joe Biden.

“It has been an honour and privilege to serve the American people through strengthening our partnership with Kenya,” Whitman stated.

A statement on Wednesday, while reflecting on her tenure, noted pride in her “people-centred agenda that saves lives, increases security, and creates economic opportunities for Kenyans and Americans.”

She highlighted efforts, including “delivering emergency funding to alleviate catastrophic flooding in 2023” and supporting the fight against malaria, HIV, and MPOX, which she said exemplify the U.S. government’s commitment to Kenyan welfare.

In a significant diplomatic development this year, Kenya was designated the United States’ first Major Non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa.

Whitman emphasised the “importance our countries place on standing shoulder to shoulder to protect our shared democratic values and enhance security.”

Whitman also noted her efforts in strengthening economic ties, noting that U.S. trade, jobs, and investment in Kenya are at “historic highs.”

Through her “Why Africa, Why Kenya?” campaign, she engaged American companies to explore business opportunities in Kenya, contributing to this economic growth.

As part of consular improvements, Whitman remarked that “non-immigrant visa appointment wait times” had dropped “from more than two years to about two months,” a response to increasing demand for U.S. consular services.

With her resignation, Whitman conveyed her best wishes to the incoming administration, stating, “The American people have spoken, and a new President will be inaugurated in January.”

She expressed confidence that her successor would continue advancing U.S.-Kenyan objectives.

Whitman’s departure was marked by gratitude “for the friendship offered by the government and the people of the beautiful Republic of Kenya.”

She concluded, “Our relations are stronger than ever, and I am confident this trajectory will continue.”

The statement reads in parts, “Today, I announced to my team at the U.S. embassy that I submitted my resignation to President Biden. It has been an honor and privilege to serve the American people through strengthening our partnership with Kenya.

“I am proud of leading a people-centered agenda that saves lives, increases security, and creates economic opportunities for Kenyans and Americans. From delivering emergency funding to alleviate catastrophic flooding in 2023 to the ongoing fight against malaria, HIV, and MPOX, the U.S government prioritizes the health and welfare of our friends in Kenya.

“Like all U.S. ambassadors, I serve at the request of the President. The American people have spoken, and a new President will be inaugurated in January. I wish him and his new team success. Our Embassy benefits from highly skilled Kenyan and American employees who will continue their efforts under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires Marc Dillard to advance the shared goals on which our bilateral relationship has long been grounded.”

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