US Ambassador Meg Whitman resigns
She has served as head of the Kenyan embassy since August 2022.
The farewell event took place at the State House, Nairobi
In Summary
President William Ruto bids farewell to outgoing US Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, at the State House Nairobi on Tuesday.
In his farewell message, President Ruto expressed his appreciation, saying Kenya and the United States have enjoyed robust diplomatic relations for 60 years, ties that have positively impacted the country, especially under Whitman's tenure.
"These ties have been strengthened by our common and shared values of democracy, the rule of law, and freedom. In the past two years, our diplomatic ties have been elevated to the status of Major non-NATO ally, signifying a high point for the relations between our two countries and peoples." Ruto said.
"Bid farewell to outgoing US Ambassador Meg Whitman, State House, Nairobi. She has worked hard for the Kenya-United States partnership. For that, we are immensely grateful."
The United States Ambassador resigned last week, saying it has been an honour to serve the people of America through strengthening relations with Kenya.
"Today, I announced to my team at the U.S. embassy that I submitted my resignation to President Biden," she said last week.
"I will depart Kenya 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."
A source privy to the development said Whitman had opted to leave early. Her resignation comes a few days after Republican candidate Donald Trump won the presidency.
She was appointed to the role by outgoing President Joe Biden and has served as head of the Kenyan embassy since August 2022.
Whitman said she is proud of leading a people-centred agenda that saved lives, increased security, and created economic opportunities for Kenyans and Americans.
She has served as head of the Kenyan embassy since August 2022.