Meg Whitman, the outgoing United States Ambassador to Kenya, has shared the reasons behind her unexpected resignation.
Shedding light on a decision that many have described as sudden.
The billionaire diplomat revealed her departure aligns with the anticipated transition in the White House following Donald Trump’s recent electoral victory.
Whitman emphasized the importance of prioritizing family, stating she wanted sufficient time to settle her loved ones back in the U.S.
“When new presidents and administrations come in, it’s customary for ambassadors to submit their resignations.
I decided to do so now because we have three young grandchildren,” she explained.
“My husband has a job in the U.S., and we need to get back and get settled.
The embassy is in capable hands with Charge d’Affaires Marc Dillard.”
Dismissing speculation that criticism influenced her exit, Whitman highlighted her commitment to a smooth transition of power.
“This is about ensuring a peaceful handover to a new administration and its team of ambassadors. It’s a natural part of the diplomatic process,” she remarked.
During her two-year tenure, Whitman made significant strides in strengthening U.S.-Kenya relations.
She championed reforms in visa processing, reducing waiting times from two years to just two months.
Additionally, she facilitated a landmark state visit by President William Ruto to the U.S. in May 2024, attracting investments from major corporations like Coca-Cola and Microsoft.
However, Whitman did not shy away from voicing concerns about corruption in Kenya.
“In the past few months, I’ve spoken extensively about the impact of corruption.
Kenya has immense potential to become an economic powerhouse—the Singapore of Africa—but this dream cannot be achieved without addressing toxic looting,” she warned.
Reflecting on her time in Kenya, which began in August 2022, Whitman acknowledged the challenges and triumphs.
Her tenure kicked off with controversy after she described Kenya’s 2022 elections as the most credible in its history, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Despite the rocky start, she established strong ties with President Ruto and focused on fostering bilateral cooperation.
Whitman plans to settle her husband into his new role in the U.S. before charting her next course.
“We’ve traded off career opportunities throughout our 44 years of marriage, and now it’s his turn. Once he’s settled, I’ll figure out my next step,” she concluded.
