U.S. Names Susan M. Burns as New Top Diplomat to Kenya
The United States Embassy in Nairobi has officially announced the appointment of Susan M. Burns as the new Chargé d’Affaires, making her the highest-ranking American diplomat in Kenya.
With this appointment, Burns will now oversee all embassy operations and act as the key representative of the U.S. government in the country.
Burns confirmed her new role in a statement released on Monday, August 25, expressing both happiness and hope about her assignment.
She highlighted her excitement at the opportunity to further deepen and strengthen the long-standing partnership between Kenya and the United States.
“I am so happy to be here to continue working to strengthen our relationship with Kenya. Many thanks to Carla and the entire Embassy team for their ongoing efforts. Can’t wait to meet you, Kenya,” she said with enthusiasm.
As the new Chargé d’Affaires, Burns takes charge of the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, which holds the distinction of being the largest American embassy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
She succeeds Carla Benini, who had been serving in an acting capacity for the past month following the departure of Deputy Chief of Mission Marc Dillard, who briefly led the embassy after the resignation of Ambassador Meg Whitman in November 2024.
Benini also extended a warm welcome to Burns in a short video message shared on social media, which featured both the American and Kenyan flags as a symbol of unity and partnership. “I am excited to welcome our new Chargé d’Affaires, Susan Burns, here to Kenya.
Karibu, Susan!” she said. In a friendly response, Burns thanked her and added a touch of humor and local flavor with Swahili slang, saying, “Ahsante, Carla. I am so happy to be here in Kenya. Rada wasee!”—a phrase that left many Kenyans smiling at her effort to embrace the local culture.
A Wealth of Diplomatic Experience
Burns brings with her a long record of experience from different parts of the world. Before coming to Kenya, she served as Principal Officer in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from 2022 to 2025, where she played a key role in U.S.-Vietnam relations.
She also previously worked as Director for the Office of Mainland Southeast Asia in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs in Washington, overseeing policies and diplomatic ties in the region.
Her career in diplomacy has also taken her to multiple international postings. She has served in public diplomacy positions in Kampala (Uganda), Kathmandu (Nepal), Ghana, Poland, and Taiwan, gaining vast knowledge of different regions and cultures.
Her dedication to public diplomacy was recognized in 2017 when she received the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Public Diplomacy, one of the top honors in her profession.
Academic Background
Burns is also well accomplished academically. She holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies from the prestigious U.S. Army War College, an institution known for training top leaders in defense and foreign policy. She also earned her Bachelor’s degree from McGill University in Canada, a university recognized internationally for academic excellence.
Her Role in Kenya
As Chargé d’Affaires, Burns will not only manage the day-to-day operations of the embassy but also represent the U.S. government in its dealings with Kenya.
Her responsibilities include advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives, coordinating inter-agency work, supporting cooperation in areas like health, security, trade, and governance, and ensuring the safety of embassy staff and facilities.
Most importantly, she will be the public face of the U.S. government in Kenya, strengthening diplomatic ties and engaging directly with Kenyan leaders and citizens. With her background and proven experience, Burns is expected to play a crucial role in continuing the strong Kenya-U.S. partnership.
Embassy Leadership Transitions
Her appointment comes after several leadership changes at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi in recent months. The most notable was the resignation of Ambassador Meg Whitman on November 13, 2024, after which Deputy Chief of Mission Marc Dillard briefly took charge. Carla Benini then served as interim Chargé d’Affaires for one month until Burns’ arrival.
With Susan M. Burns now stepping into the role, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi has gained a seasoned diplomat who is expected to provide steady leadership and continue building on the strong foundation of cooperation between Kenya and the United States.
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