US Shutdown Blamed for Hold-Up in Naming New Ambassador to Kenya
Kenya may have to wait several more months for President Donald Trump to name a new United States ambassador to Nairobi, after diplomatic appointments were stalled by the recent US government shutdown and ongoing policy reviews in Washington.
US Chargé d’Affaires Susan Burns confirmed the delay during an interview on NTV on Wednesday, explaining that the process of appointing a new envoy is subject to Senate confirmation — a requirement that has slowed the deployment of ambassadors under the Trump administration.
Burns noted that the Nairobi posting had initially been expected to be filled before the end of the year, but the October shutdown halted several federal operations, including diplomatic vetting and other bilateral engagements.
Chargé d’Affaires Continues to Lead Mission
Until a new envoy is confirmed, the US Embassy in Nairobi continues to be led by a Chargé d’Affaires — a diplomatic role that functions as an acting ambassador. The French term literally means “in charge of affairs” and is used when an embassy is without a formally accredited ambassador.
Burns stressed that despite the temporary designation, the mission remains fully empowered to manage all aspects of the US–Kenya relationship, including trade, security cooperation, health partnerships and investment.
“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,” she said.
While the position allows her to carry out virtually all diplomatic functions, Burns highlighted one symbolic distinction: unlike an officially accredited ambassador, she does not use vehicles displaying the American flag, a protocol she described as “a minor detail” under US diplomatic traditions.
“As the person in charge, I can do anything literally, depending on local government arrangements,” she added.
Security Cooperation Unaffected Despite Trump Orders
Burns also addressed concerns raised after President Trump questioned the scale of US funding for counterterrorism operations in Somalia. She emphasised that, despite the President’s pronouncements, Kenya remains a central partner in regional security, particularly in the fight against Al-Shabaab.
“Our security coordination with Kenya continues and remains a priority,” she said, adding that Washington views Nairobi as an indispensable ally in maintaining stability across East Africa.
USAID Health Deal Back on Track
The Chargé d’Affaires further revealed that the United States and Kenya are close to concluding a new five-year health partnership that will replace the previously frozen USAID support. She said the agreement is in its final stages and is expected to be announced soon.
“The negotiations slowed during the shutdown, but they are progressing,” Burns said, noting that the health sector remains one of the strongest pillars of cooperation between the two countries.
AGOA Negotiations Resume After Delays
On trade, Burns confirmed that discussions on renewing the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) have resumed after facing similar delays linked to Congress approval processes. AGOA provides preferential access for African exports to the US market, and Kenya is one of its largest beneficiaries.
She clarified that even without an active renewal, Kenyan goods continue to enter the US under relatively low tariff rates.
“Kenyan exports currently face only about 10 per cent in tariffs, which is among the lowest applied,” she said.
Despite the delays, Burns expressed confidence that the bilateral relationship remains strong and will continue to deepen once the US completes its internal appointment and legislative processes.
US Shutdown Blamed for Hold-Up in Naming New Ambassador to Kenya