US-Kenya relationship now stronger than ever

With changes in presidents come changes in their diplomatic representatives abroad. As part of America’s long tradition of democratic transfer of power, I recently submitted my resignation to President Biden and will soon be returning home to the United States. Other US ambassadors will also offer their resignations as an expected part of the transition.

As I conclude my tenure, I am proud to say that the US-Kenya relationship is stronger than ever. With a firm bedrock of support from across America’s political spectrum and shepherded by a dedicated team of diplomats at the Embassy, I am confident in the continuance of this positive trajectory.

During my career, I’ve led multinational companies, served on numerous boards, and have been active in philanthropy. Serving as US Ambassador to this incredible country is one of the greatest highlights of my life. Reflecting on the 28 counties I visited, the friends I’ve made in my adopted hometown of Nairobi, and the magical landscapes my husband and I had the privilege of witnessing, I am left with a sense of immense gratitude and accomplishment.

Promote job growth

When I started here more than two years ago, I gave a series of speeches where I asked the question: “Why Africa, Why Kenya?” Nobody is asking that anymore. The word is out on Kenya’s potential. We did a tremendous amount of work to get here, including working with the Government of Kenya to improve the business climate and promote job growth for young people. Kenya now receives more startup capital than anywhere on the continent. I am optimistic that Kenya is developing a flourishing “Silicon Savanah.” More American companies of all sizes are arriving, and my Embassy team continues to work with Kenyan counterparts to expand economic growth, trade and job creation.

Thanks to our Consular team, we also responded to the call for reduced visa appointment wait times. Since August 2022, the Embassy has cut the wait time for a Non-Immigrant Visa appointment from more than 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 per cent. I am humbled by the work of our US health agencies including CDC, USAid, PEPFAR focused on fighting malaria, eradicating polio, providing life-saving drugs for 1.3 million Kenyans with HIV, and expanding access to clean water and sanitation. In my travels throughout Kenya, I have seen the positive impact of these programs on everyday Kenyans. When catastrophic flooding hit Kenya last year, we quickly delivered $1 million in humanitarian relief for those most effected; this was in addition to the $800 million from the United States to help Kenya deal with consecutive years of historic drought that ended in 2023.

Hosting President Ruto in the US for a State Visit was a natural extension of the work we have done to expand our ties. We penned many deals during the State Visit, including with Microsoft and G42 to build a 1-gigawat, geothermal-powered data centre, and an announcement by Coca-Cola of a $175 million bottling plant investment – both investments are important job creators. This historic visit – the first for an African leader since 2008 – was more than deals. We announced major education partnerships that will help prepare Kenya’s next generation of tech entrepreneurs. We also laid the groundwork for expanded partnerships in police reform and the fight against HIV/Aids.

Significant reforms

These agreements will benefit an entire generation and beyond. But to create the 1.5 - 2 million new jobs each year and the accompanying annual economic growth rate of 6 - 8 per cent necessary to lift Kenya to the next level, significant reforms are needed. The biggest impediment to Kenya’s growth and longterm success, in my view, is corruption. The taming of corruption will attract large amounts of new investment, accelerate economic growth, unlock new jobs, and address the widespread frustration expressed by hard-working Kenyans. Continuing to reform the business climate and tackling corruption will help Kenya become a global economic powerhouse.

I have been clear – privately and publicly – that Kenya’s elected leaders must not only listen, but act on the concerns expressed by this country’s youth. The innovation and energy of Gen Z is an opportunity, not a threat. Kenya’s long-term success is grounded in the same democratic values our countries hold dear: Rule of law, accountability, respect for human rights, media freedom, and encouragement for innovation.

I am proud of the accomplishments during my tenure. We have elevated the partnership between the United States and Kenya to the highest level ever. I will remember my time as Ambassador with heartfelt gratitude and offer my sincerest thanks to the government and people of Kenya.

Meg Whitman is the outgoing US Ambassador to Kenya