President William Ruto hosted a farewell ceremony for outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, at the State House in Nairobi.
In his tribute, President Ruto expressed profound gratitude for Whitman’s contributions and the enduring partnership between Kenya and the United States, a relationship that has thrived for over six decades.
During the farewell, Ruto noted the significance of the diplomatic ties, emphasizing that they have been bolstered by shared values such as democracy, rule of law, and freedom.
“These ties have been strengthened by our common and shared values. In the past two years, our diplomatic relations have been elevated to the status of Major Non-NATO Ally, marking a high point in the relations between our two countries and peoples,” he stated.
In her exit statement, Whitman reflected on her time as U.S. Ambassador, highlighting how the U.S.-Kenya relationship is stronger than ever.
“With a firm bedrock of support from across America’s political spectrum, I am confident in the continuance of this positive trajectory,” she said, expressing immense pride in her tenure and her accomplishments in fostering successful partnerships between the two nations.
Highlighting the groundswell of interest in Kenya’s potential, Whitman noted her initial inquiry: “Why Africa, Why Kenya?” She remarked, “Nobody is asking that anymore. The word is out on Kenya’s potential.” Significant strides have been made in enhancing the business climate and promoting job growth, with Kenya now receiving more startup capital than any other country on the continent.
Whitman also praised the U.S. Embassy’s efforts in processing visa applications, cutting wait times from over two years to just over two months. “We expect to process more than 58,000 applications this year, exceeding pre-COVID levels by over 40 percent,” she noted.
The ambassador acknowledged the U.S.’s aid to combat severe challenges in Kenya, including humanitarian assistance during catastrophic flooding and significant health programs aimed at fighting diseases such as malaria and HIV. She expressed her commitment to expanding partnerships that will ensure lasting benefits for the Kenyan population.
As she concluded her remarks, Whitman emphasized the importance of tackling corruption and creating an enabling environment for innovation and economic growth. “Kenya’s long-term success is grounded in the same democratic values our countries hold dear,” she stated, wishing the nation continued success.
