Her decision to step down on Wednesday, November 13 came after Donald Trump was elected the 47th President of the United States (POTUS) in the 2024 elections.
The United States Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, has announced her resignation from the role.
Her decision to step down on Wednesday, November 13 came after Donald Trump was elected the 47th President of the United States (POTUS) in the 2024 elections.
Whitman communicated this to her team at the US Embassy in Nairobi, and to outgoing US President, Joe Biden, in a statement obtained and verified by Viral Tea.
“Today, I announced to my team at the U.S. embassy that I submitted my resignation to President Biden. It has been an honour and privilege to serve the American people through strengthening our partnership with Kenya,” she announced.
Meg Whitman with President William Ruto on September 27, 2022. /PCS
Going forth to list her achievements, Whitman expressed her pride in leading a people-centred agenda that saves lives, increases security, and creates economic opportunities for Kenyans and Americans.
In her words, from delivering emergency funding to alleviate catastrophic flooding in 2023 to the ongoing fight against malaria, HIV, and MPOX, the U.S. government prioritized the health and welfare of its 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,” she went on.
“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.”
Whitman also praised that under her tenure, the US government responded to the skyrocketing demand for its consular services, reducing wait times for non-immigrant visa appointments from more than two years to about two months, among other enhancements.
She reiterated her previous remarks that “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” as she went on to wish Trump 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,” she continued.
Following her resignation, Whitman is expected to depart Kenya, noting that she was “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.”
More to follow…