By Nyang’au Araka
American ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman has resigned.
Whiteman resigned Wednesday, ahead of regime change in Washington come January.
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His boss, outgoing President Joe Biden (Democrat) will soon be replaced by Donald Trump (Republican).
Trump beat the Democrat’s flag bearer, Kamala Haris, making a comeback to White House.
A business magnet, Trump had lost the seat to Biden in 2020.
In a statement, Whitman thanked Biden for according her a chance to serve her country at the level of ambassador to Kenya.
“It has been an honor and privilege to serve the American people through strengthening our partnership with Kenya,” she said.
“I’m proud of leading a people centred agenda that saves lives, increases security and creates economic opportunities for Kenyans and Americans.”
Whitman said that she was proud of leading support to Kenyans during floods in 2023, and the ongoing fight against malaria, HIV-AIDS, and Mpox.
“The US government prioritizes the health and welfare of our friends in Kenya,” Whitman said.
She said Kenya was an important ally to the US, this being the reason “the US elevated Kenya as its major non- North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) ally in Sub Saharan Africa.”
This move, she said, was aimed at enhancing security and promoting shared democratic values.
She said more American companies were doing business in Kenya, a pointer to the cordial relationship between the two countries.
During her tenure, time for non-migrant visa appointments had been considerably reduced.
“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 said adding that she wished the incoming leader well.
Whiteman expressed optimism that the bilateral relationship between the two countries will continue thriving.
“Our relations are stronger than ever and I am confident this trajectory will continue,” she said.
Whitman was appointed U.S. Ambassador to Kenya in 2021 by Biden.
She took up the position to strengthen bilateral relations between the U.S. and Kenya.
The envoy was assigned to focus on a variety of issues, including trade, security, and the promotion of democracy and human rights.
