NAIROBI, Kenya – U.S. Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman has announced her resignation, days after the election of Donald Trump as President of the United States.
In a statement released Wednesday, Whitman confirmed she had formally submitted her resignation to President Joe Biden, ending her tenure that began in 2022.
Whitman, a seasoned diplomat and former tech executive, expressed deep gratitude for her role in strengthening U.S.-Kenya relations.
“Today, I announced to my team at the U.S. embassy that I submitted my resignation to President Biden,” she said. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the American people through strengthening our partnership with Kenya.”
Throughout her tenure, Whitman emphasized a people-centered approach, focusing on health, security, and economic development.
Her contributions include overseeing emergency aid during Kenya’s catastrophic flooding in 2023 and spearheading U.S. efforts to combat malaria, HIV, and MPOX in Kenya.
“I am proud of leading a people-centered agenda that saves lives, increases security, and creates economic opportunities for Kenyans and Americans,” she noted in her statement, reflecting on her tenure’s accomplishments.
Beyond health initiatives, Whitman highlighted efforts to strengthen economic ties.
“When I arrived in 2022, I focused on expanding these ties with my ‘Why Africa, Why Kenya?’ presentation to American companies and entrepreneurs,” she said, crediting the initiative for driving U.S. trade, jobs, and investment in Kenya to unprecedented levels.
During her time as ambassador, Whitman’s team managed to significantly reduce the wait time for non-immigrant visa appointments—from more than two years to approximately two months—amid soaring demand.
Looking ahead, Whitman voiced confidence in the U.S.-Kenya relationship, remarking on the longstanding bond that she expects will continue to flourish.
“I have no doubt that our 60 years of partnership will continue to strengthen… I will depart Kenya full of gratitude for the team that has worked tirelessly on my behalf and for the friendship offered by the government and people of the beautiful Republic of Kenya,” she concluded.
In a statement released Wednesday, Whitman confirmed she had formally submitted her resignation to President Joe Biden, ending her tenure that began in 2022.
Whitman, a seasoned diplomat and former tech executive, expressed deep gratitude for her role in strengthening U.S.-Kenya relations.
“Today, I announced to my team at the U.S. embassy that I submitted my resignation to President Biden,” she said. “It has been an honor and privilege to serve the American people through strengthening our partnership with Kenya.”
Throughout her tenure, Whitman emphasized a people-centered approach, focusing on health, security, and economic development.
Her contributions include overseeing emergency aid during Kenya’s catastrophic flooding in 2023 and spearheading U.S. efforts to combat malaria, HIV, and MPOX in Kenya.
“I am proud of leading a people-centered agenda that saves lives, increases security, and creates economic opportunities for Kenyans and Americans,” she noted in her statement, reflecting on her tenure’s accomplishments.
Beyond health initiatives, Whitman highlighted efforts to strengthen economic ties.
“When I arrived in 2022, I focused on expanding these ties with my ‘Why Africa, Why Kenya?’ presentation to American companies and entrepreneurs,” she said, crediting the initiative for driving U.S. trade, jobs, and investment in Kenya to unprecedented levels.
During her time as ambassador, Whitman’s team managed to significantly reduce the wait time for non-immigrant visa appointments—from more than two years to approximately two months—amid soaring demand.
Looking ahead, Whitman voiced confidence in the U.S.-Kenya relationship, remarking on the longstanding bond that she expects will continue to flourish.
“I have no doubt that our 60 years of partnership will continue to strengthen… I will depart Kenya full of gratitude for the team that has worked tirelessly on my behalf and for the friendship offered by the government and people of the beautiful Republic of Kenya,” she concluded.
