NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug, 1 – The United States of America (USA) Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman arrived in the country’s capital Monday, weeks after she was confirmed in a unanimous vote by the U.S. Senate on July 14, 2022.
Whitman is now the eighteenth United States Ambassador to Kenya.
Her in-tray is expected to be ‘busy’ as the country prepares for an election in just seven days.
“Ambassador Whitman has significant experience leading business organizations, from start-ups to large multinational companies in Silicon Valley. She has served as the President and CEO of Hewlett Packard Enterprise and the Hewlett-Packard Company, both multinational information technology companies. She also served as President and CEO of eBay Inc., an online marketplace and digital payments company,” read a statement from the US Embassy in Kenya.
The new ambassador has been a member of a number of corporate boards of directors, including Procter & Gamble and General Motors.
Whitman holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and an AB in Economics from Princeton University.
“Committed to equality in education and protection of the environment, Ambassador Whitman has been National Board Chair of Teach For America and has been a Member of the Board of Trustees of The Nature Conservancy,”
What Does Her Appointointment Mean For US-Kenya Relations?
Diplomacy experts say her nomination is not just a reward for her political and financial support for the Biden presidential campaign.
“The nominee, comes from Ivy league Universities, Like Princeton and Harvard. Intellectually she is very sound. She comes from the largest companies, like HP and EBAY, which hire thousands of people. …what does America want? International relationships must focus on national interests. America is very much interested in containing China. China has made significant inroads in Africa,” said professor Noah Midabwa, VC and CEO KCA University.
65 year old Margaret Cushing Whitman, only the third female US representative to Kenya, will be banking on her business acumen rather than a diplomacy background to succeed in the role.
In the past, US administrations have rewarded Wealthy donors with ambassadorial positions.
“Part of what involves this decision which is very unconventional in the Kenyan case because Kenya is used to career Diplomats, serving in the position of Ambassadors. many times, many have experienced serving in the peace corps, or as missionaries. It’s critical to note that most of Biden’s ambassadorial appointments have been passed by the US senate and because of her having links with the Republican party then she may pass,” said Hassan Khanneje Director Horn Institute in an interview with Shahidi News earllier this year.
“It’s not just the western world, I think we are now looking at gender representation, Kenya included. We have been talking about the 2 thirds representation, Women have been aggressive politically, to get into the decision-making table,” said Dr, Mercy Kaburu, diplomacy Scholar, USIU.
Her nomination came at a time when the Biden administration unveiled a new plan to fight graft globally.
“By appointing Whitman we are looking at a person coming from the corporate world. We also need to take cognizance that corruption has been one of the pillars that the Biden administration is likely to employ,” said Kaburu.
There have been various competing interests in the region and America’s diplomacy, especially under Trump, has suffered a dent.
Washington is trying to catch up as China and Europe steal a march on the continent.
”Because of her background in Business, politics, and at the same time as one of the wealthiest women, it is going to assist her in pursuing US national interest objectives so to speak,” said Khanneje.
“Three things are key for US, where is US and where is Kenya? US has shifted its emphasis in terms of global focus from terror to containment of China. Second, they are going to focus, on corruption, and that in relationship with third world countries,” said prof Noah Midamba.
More so, she is headed to a diplomatic station seen as a beacon of stability, amid fragile states.
“You can see why President Biden has taken his time, to select the right fit. Because now Kenya is a focal point and probability the most important country in Africa as far as US policy is concerned.”
Her appointment, no doubt points to a shift in US policy towards the region, that has for years suffered neglect.
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