NAIROBI,Kenya,Dec, 17 – Once the US house of Senate passes the nomination of Meg Whitman as the US Representative to Kenya, she will join a list of powerful women who have served in that Capacity.
Just who is Meg Whitman and why is she seen as the best candidate by US President Joe Biden to represent US interests in the region?
Diplomacy experts have so far noted that the current administration is making a shift in foreign policy from his predecessor.
A rich and powerful figure in Washington, businessperson- cum – politician Meg Whitman is coming to Nairobi for an ambassadorial posting, if approved by the U.S. senate.
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 a times, many have experienced serving in the peace corps, or as missionaries. Its critical to note that most of Biden’s ambassadorial appointments have been past by the US senate and because of her having links with the Republican party then she may pass,” said Hassan Khanneje Director Horn Institute.
“Its 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.
If approved by the Senate, she will be in the country at a time when President Uhuru Kenyatta will be handing over to the winner of the 2022 Presidential election.
Her nomination also comes at a time that 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 in 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 persuing 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 3rd world countries,” said 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 its 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 nomination, no doubt points to a shift in US policy towards the region, that has for year suffered neglect.
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