US Envoy To Kenya Resigns In Wake Of Trump Win

NAIROBI (Kenya), Nov 13 (Bernama-Anadolu) -- Days after Donald Trump's victory in the US presidential election, the country's ambassador to Kenya handed in her walking papers, Anadolu Agency reported.

“Today, I announced to my team at the US Embassy that I have submitted my resignation to President Joe Biden. It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the American people by strengthening our partnership with Kenya,” Meg Whitman said in a statement on Wednesday

Reflecting on her tenure, which began in 2022, Whitman spoke about her efforts in fostering trade, security and healthcare collaboration between Kenya and the US.

“My efforts also opened the door for more American companies to do business in Kenya. Trade, jobs, and US investment in Kenya are at historic highs because of our efforts,” she said.

She also emphasised the elevation of Kenya as the first major non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa, a milestone achieved during her service.

“Like all US ambassadors, I serve at the request of the president. The American people have spoken, and a new president will be inaugurated in January,” she added.

Whitman also expressed confidence in the continued strength of US-Kenya relations, stating: “I have no doubt that our 60 years of partnership will continue to strengthen and serve Americans and Kenyans.”

Her departure leaves Charge d'Affaires Marc Dillard at the helm as the US Embassy transitions to new leadership under the incoming administration.

US relations with sub-Saharan Africa were neglected under the first Trump administration, according to some analysts, in years also characterised by leaks of racist remarks reportedly by Trump, which his administration strongly denied.

-- BERNAMA-ANADOLU