The United States Embassy in Nairobi has announced the appointment of Susan M. Burns as the new Chargé d’Affaires, making her the top U.S. diplomat in Kenya. Burns expressed optimism about strengthening the relationship between Kenya and the U.S.

• Burns succeeds Carla Benini and will oversee operations at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, the largest U.S. embassy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• She brings extensive diplomatic experience, including serving as Principal Officer in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from 2022 to 2025.
• Her key tasks include advancing U.S. foreign policy objectives and coordinating bilateral cooperation in sectors such as health, security, trade, and governance.