US names acting ambassador to Kenya

By Peter Ochieng

The United States government has named an acting ambassador to Kenya, to take over from Meg Whitman. Whitman’s two-year tour of duty to Kenya ended on Saturday, November 23, 2024, days after she resigned from her position.

US President Joe Biden’s administration has since appointed Marc Dillard, until a substantive ambassador is appointed.

Dillard is a member of the US Senior Foreign Service. He has been serving as Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Nairobi, since August 2022.

In 2019, he was appointed Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Budapest, Hungary, a position she held until 2022.

He has previously worked in several other African countries, including Malawi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

Meg Whitman formally announced her resignation from the ambassadorial role on November 13, 2024, days after Donald John Trump was elected the 47th US president.

Trump’s election is believed to be behind her resignation. Whitman was appointed two years ago, by Biden, the outgoing US president. Trump will be sworn in, in January 2025.

Through a video posted on her X page on Friday, Whitman said it was an honour serving as US ambassador to Kenya.

She said during her time in office, she travelled to 28 counties, meeting some amazing Kenyans working hard to improve their livelihoods.

"Whenever I went around the country, I met amazing Kenyans working hard to create jobs, improve healthcare, build a stronger democracy and strengthen ties between Kenyans and Americans who form the bedrock of our successful partnership," she stated.

"There is so much that I will always treasure about my time in Kenya, from the beautiful landscapes to the dynamic economy but most of all I will remember the people of Kenya who welcomed me with unparalleled hospitality and showed me the passion for building a stronger US Kenya relationship."

Trump is expected to appoint a substantive ambassador to Kenya once he is sworn in.