Editor's Review

The US Embassy in Nairobi has announced Susan Burns as the new Chargé d’Affaires.

The United States (US) Embassy in Nairobi has announced Susan Burns as the new Chargé d’Affaires.

In a statement on Monday, August 25, the US Embassy said Burns is now the top-ranking U.S. diplomat in Kenya.

“Susan M. Burns is the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya,” read part of the statement.

Burns takes over from Carla Benini, who has been serving in the role following the departure of Marc Dillard.

“I am so happy to be here to continue working to strengthen our relationship with Kenya. Many thanks to Carla and the entire Embassy team for their ongoing efforts. Can’t wait to meet you, Kenya,” Burns said in a statement.

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File image of Susan M. Burns. 

The new Chargé d’Affaires previously served as the Principal Officer in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from 2022 to 2025.

Burns has also served as Director for the Office of Mainland Southeast Asia in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs and Public Affairs Officer in Kampala, Uganda, and Kathmandu, Nepal.

Her other postings include Poland, the Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, Ghana, and Taiwan.

Burns has a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College and a bachelor’s degree from McGill University. She has further studied Mandarin, Polish, Nepali, Vietnamese, and French.

On July 18, Dillard sent a heartfelt farewell message to Kenyans as his diplomatic tenure in Kenya came to an end.

In a video, Dillard reflected on his arrival in Nairobi, his emotional connection to Kenya, revealing how quickly the nation came to feel like home.

He also highlighted the role he played in strengthening US-Kenya relations in areas of security cooperation, health, and cultural exchange.

"When I first arrived in Kenya, I knew I was stepping into a nation full of promise and deep heritage. But what I didn't expect was how quickly it would feel like home.

"I've had the honor of working with incredible partners in government, civil society, the private sector, and most importantly, the Kenyan people," he said.

Dillard was appointed to the post by former US President Joe Biden in December 2024 after the resignation of Meg Whitman.

Before his role as Chargé d'Affaires in the US Embassy in Nairobi, Dillard had a distinguished career in the U.S. Foreign Service since 1998.