US Clarifies Trump’s Delay in Ambassadorial Appointment To Kenya
Kenya may have to wait longer for President Donald Trump to select an ambassador to the Nairobi mission, a delay that is partially due to the recent US government shutdown and executive orders affecting bilateral relations.
Susan Burns, US Chargé d’Affaires, confirmed the developments on Wednesday, saying that any ambassadorial appointment must be approved by the Senate before the nominee may take up the job in Kenya.
Burns told NTV that the appointments were initially planned by the end of the year.
However, they were delayed owing to the US government shutdown in October of this year, which also hampered other bilateral interactions.
Currently, the US mission in Nairobi is led by a Chargé d’Affaires, a French phrase meaning “in charge of affairs,” who serves as an acting ambassador.
Despite not having officially submitted credentials to Kenya’s president, the Chargé d’Affaires is authorized to handle all diplomatic interactions with Kenya, including commerce, security, health, and investment.
Burns acknowledged Kenya’s collaboration with her and her staff, despite their acting status, and emphasized that commerce, health, security, and defense are still major priorities in bilateral relations.
She further noted that, unlike an official ambassador, she does not fly an American flag on official vehicles, which is standard etiquette in her country’s diplomatic culture.
US, Kenya working on a new 5-year health agreement.
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) November 26, 2025
Acting Ambassador (Chargé d'Affaires) Susan Burns is hopeful the deal will be announced soon. #FixingTheNationNTV @nationfmke @ericlatiff @mariambishar pic.twitter.com/3E7imwHeWs
“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 said.
She added, “We do not fly flags on our cars as that is a minor detail. However, as the person in charge, I can do anything literally, depending on local government arrangements.”
ALSO READ:
- “100 Police Officers Live In My Compoud!” – Raphael Tuju Says
- Trump Warns Ships That Pays Toll Fee At Strait Of Hormuz, Says ‘Won’t Be Safe In High Seas’
- Kenya’s Popular Podcast Broken Into, Equipments Stolen
- EXPLAINER: Inside New Proposed SHA Contribution Changes Affecting ALL Kenyans
- Goons Disrupt Niko Kadi Initiative In Kitale, Local Leaders Blamed
Burns also informed President Trump that, despite his concerns about US support for security operations against Al-Shabaab in Somalia, Kenya is a crucial partner in regional counterterrorism efforts, and that security coordination with Kenya will continue.
Furthermore, Burns said that the US and Kenya are negotiating a new five-year health agreement to replace the previously suspended USAID funding, implying that the agreement will be announced soon.
Is there hope for a new AGOA deal?
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) November 26, 2025
Acting US Ambassador to Kenya Susan Burns says it's up to Congress. Burns, however, says at 10%, Kenyan exports enjoy the lowest tariff rates at the moment. #FixingTheNationNTV @nationfmke @ericlatiff @MariamBishar pic.twitter.com/2hyZcA1IpZ
She stated that negotiations for a new African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) trade agreement are still proceeding, having been delayed only due to the US government shutdown.
US Clarifies Trump’s Delay in Ambassadorial Appointment To Kenya
