**President Ruto Bids Farewell to Outgoing U.S. Ambassador Meg Whitman**
President William Ruto officially bid farewell to outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, Meg Whitman, during a ceremony held at State House, Nairobi, on Tuesday. Whitman recently submitted her resignation to U.S. President Joe Biden, marking the end of her tenure in Kenya.
In a statement shared on X, President Ruto commended Whitman for her dedication to strengthening Kenya-U.S. relations over the past two years.
"Bid farewell to outgoing U.S. Ambassador Meg Whitman at State House, Nairobi. She has worked hard for the Kenya-United States partnership. For that, we are immensely grateful," Ruto wrote.
Ruto highlighted the longstanding relationship between the two nations, emphasizing their shared values and the progress made in recent years.
"Kenya and the United States have enjoyed robust diplomatic relations for 60 years. These ties have been strengthened by our common values of democracy, the rule of law, and freedom," Ruto noted.
He also acknowledged a significant milestone achieved during Whitman's tenure: the elevation of Kenya-U.S. ties to the status of a Major Non-NATO Ally, reflecting a high point in bilateral relations.
Whitman’s departure comes shortly after the recent U.S. elections, which saw a change in leadership with Donald Trump’s victory. She cited personal reasons for her decision to step down, emphasizing the importance of returning to the U.S. to focus on her family.
"When new presidents and administrations take office, it’s customary for ambassadors to submit their resignations. I decided to do so now because we have three young grandchildren, and my husband has a job in the U.S. We need to get back and get settled," Whitman explained in an interview with *Sunday Nation*.
Whitman dismissed claims that her resignation was due to external criticism, framing her decision as part of the peaceful transition to a new administration.
"I’ve been in politics for a long time, so I understand how this works. This is about ensuring a smooth transfer of power, welcoming a new administration, and introducing a fresh set of ambassadors," she added.
Whitman, who began her tenure as U.S. Ambassador to Kenya in August 2022, also expressed confidence in the leadership at the U.S. Embassy, noting that Charge d’Affaires Marc Dillard would oversee the transition effectively.
Her efforts in advancing diplomatic ties during her term have been widely acknowledged, marking a significant chapter in Kenya-U.S. relations.
