Former US Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman has revealed her reasons for stepping down, a decision she described as timely and strategic.
Whitman, a billionaire businesswoman, stated that her resignation was influenced by the upcoming leadership change in the White House following Donald Trump's recent election victory.
In an interview with *Sunday Nation*, Whitman emphasized her desire to prioritize family, citing the need to return to the US and settle with her grandchildren. "Ambassadors customarily resign when a new president assumes office.
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I chose to do so now to focus on my family, especially my grandchildren," she shared.
She also highlighted the embassy’s readiness under Charge d'Affaires Marc Dillard, dismissing speculation that her departure was due to external pressure. "This is about ensuring a smooth transition. Having been in politics for years, I understand the importance of a peaceful handover," she clarified.
During her two-year tenure, Whitman championed pivotal reforms in US-Kenya relations, notably reducing visa wait times from two years to two months. She also facilitated significant US investments, including expansions by Coca-Cola and Microsoft, and played a role in President William Ruto’s successful state visit to the US.
However, she warned that corruption threatens Kenya’s potential to become Africa’s economic powerhouse. “Kenya could be the Singapore of Africa, but corruption remains a major hurdle,” she said.
Whitman’s tenure began in August 2022, just before Kenya’s general elections, and wasn’t without controversy. Her comments praising Kenya’s 2022 elections as the most credible in history drew criticism from opposition leader Raila Odinga.
