No US Ambassador for Kenya Yet; Acting Envoy Holds Full Diplomatic Powers

The appointment of a new United States ambassador to Kenya has been delayed beyond initial expectations, with the US mission continuing operations under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns, who confirmed Wednesday that Senate approval remains pending for any ambassadorial nominee.

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Speaking in an interview with NTV, Burns explained that the appointment process, originally anticipated to conclude before year’s end, was postponed following the US government shutdown in October, which disrupted multiple bilateral processes and diplomatic timelines.

Acting Ambassador Holds Full Powers

The US Embassy in Nairobi currently operates under the direction of Burns, whose title—Chargé d’Affaires, derived from French meaning “in charge of affairs”—designates her as the acting chief of mission. Despite not having formally presented credentials to Kenya’s president, Burns exercises complete authority over all diplomatic engagements between the two nations.

“We currently have a Chargé d’Affaires, which means an acting ambassador. In our system, we need ambassadors confirmed by the Senate. We do not have one yet for Kenya,” Burns stated.

She emphasized that her position carries full diplomatic powers covering trade negotiations, security cooperation, health partnerships, and investment initiatives. “As the person in charge, I can do anything literally, depending on local government arrangements,” Burns said.

However, she noted one symbolic distinction: unlike a confirmed ambassador, she does not display the American flag on official vehicles—a protocol detail in US diplomatic tradition.

Burns praised Kenya’s government for its cooperation with the mission despite the acting leadership status, affirming that bilateral priorities remain unchanged.

Security Partnership Remains Firm

Addressing recent statements from President Donald Trump questioning US funding for counterterrorism operations against Al-Shabaab in Somalia, Burns provided assurances that Kenya remains a vital partner in regional security efforts.

The Chargé d’Affaires indicated that security coordination between Washington and Nairobi is expected to continue without interruption, underscoring Kenya’s strategic importance in East African stability.

Health and Trade Agreements in Progress

Burns disclosed that negotiations are underway for a new five-year health cooperation agreement between the United States and Kenya, designed to replace previously suspended USAID support programs. She indicated an announcement regarding the framework is imminent.

On trade matters, Burns confirmed that discussions continue on renewing the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a preferential trade program between the US and eligible African nations. The negotiations experienced delays due to the October government shutdown and the requirement for Congressional approval.

“The negotiations slowed as US Congress approval is required for the deal, which is intended to improve trade ties between the US and African nations,” Burns explained.

She noted that even without an active AGOA agreement, Kenyan exports to the United States currently benefit from favorable tariff treatment, with only 10 percent duties applied to Kenyan goods—among the lowest rates extended to any trading partner.

The absence of a Senate-confirmed ambassador comes at a time of active diplomatic engagement between the two countries, with multiple agreements and security partnerships under discussion or renewal.

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