Susan Burns has officially assumed leadership of United States Embassy in Nairobi as new Chargé d’Affaires.
Burns appointment marks a continuation of strong US-Kenya diplomatic relations as the embassy enters a new chapter under her leadership.
She brings extensive diplomatic experience to her new role, having most recently served as Principal Officer in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from 2022 to 2025.
As a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister Counselor, Burns arrives in Nairobi with a distinguished record of service across multiple continents.
Her previous postings span from Southeast Asia to Eastern Europe, including key roles as Director for the Office of Mainland Southeast Asia in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs, and Public Affairs Officer positions in Kampala, Uganda and Kathmandu, Nepal.
In a statement, the U.S. State Department recognized Burns’ excellence in public diplomacy with the prestigious Edward Murrow Award in 2017, underscoring her commitment to fostering understanding between the United States and international communities.
She takes over from Carla Benini, who has served as Chargé d’Affaires since July 21, 2025, following her arrival in Kenya in 2023 as Counselor for Public Affairs.
Benini’s background as a former journalist before joining the diplomatic service brought a unique perspective to US public diplomacy efforts in Kenya, marked most recently by her viral social media engagements at the ongoing CHAN tournament.
Her previous experience as Deputy Director for the Africa bureau’s Office of East African Affairs provided her with deep regional expertise that proved valuable during her time in Nairobi.
She will continue to serve the mission as Public Diplomacy lead.
The leadership transition at the US Embassy comes at a crucial time for Kenya-US bilateral relations. The Nairobi embassy serves not only Kenya but also plays a coordinating role for American interests across the broader East African region.
The embassy’s work spans critical areas including trade and investment, security cooperation, health initiatives, educational exchanges and development programs which have recently been the subject of sustained public debate.
Burns’ extensive experience in Africa – including previous postings in Uganda and Ghana – demonstrates the US commitment to the continent and suggests she brings valuable understanding of regional dynamics and challenges.
Her background in strategic studies, evidenced by her master’s degree from the U.S. Army War College, may prove particularly relevant as both nations navigate complex regional and global security challenges.
