US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman has resigned. Ms Whitman announced her resignation barely days after former US President Donald Trump was elected as the 47th President of the United States.Â
Ms Whitman said that she had communicated her decision to resign to the outgoing US President Joe Biden.
Whitman was confirmed in a unanimous vote by the U.S. Senate as the eighteenth United States Ambassador to Kenya on July 14, 2022.
She then presented her credentials to former President Uhuru Kenyatta on August 5, 2022.
During her tenure, Meg Whitman had influenced Kenya’s foreign policy from leaning towards China and reverted it back towards the United States.
Here is what she said in her resignation statement:
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.
This year, the United States elevated Kenya as its first Major Non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting the importance our countries place on standing shoulder to shoulder to protect our shared democratic values and enhance security.
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My efforts also opened the door for more American companies to do business in Kenya. When I arrived in 2022, I focused on expanding these ties with my “Why Africa, Why Kenya?” presentation to American companies and entrepreneurs.
Trade, jobs, and U.S. investment in Kenya are at historic highs because of our efforts. We also responded to the skyrocketing demand for our consular services, reducing wait times for non-immigrant visa appointments from more than two years to about two months, among other enhancements.
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.
I have no doubt that our 60 years of partnership will continue to strengthen and serve Americans and Kenyans as we aim to build more prosperous, healthy, secure, and democratic nations.
Our relations are stronger than ever, and I am confident this trajectory will continue. I will depart Kenya full of gratitude for the team that has worked tirelessly on my behalf, for the opportunity to serve my country, and for the friendship offered by the government and the people of the beautiful Republic of Kenya.
