Susan M. Burns has officially assumed her role as the new Chargé d’Affaires at the United States Embassy in Nairobi, the largest U.S. diplomatic mission in sub-Saharan Africa. She takes over from Carla Benini, who had served in the position since 2023.
A seasoned diplomat and career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Burns brings a wealth of experience to her new role. Most recently, she was Principal Officer at the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, where she served from 2022 to 2025. Her career spans several continents, with assignments in Uganda, Nepal, Poland, Ghana, Taiwan, and multiple Washington-based bureaus. She has also held significant positions such as Director for the Office of Mainland Southeast Asia in the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs and Public Affairs Officer in Kampala and Kathmandu.
In a light-hearted welcome message shared on the embassy’s social media pages, Burns greeted Kenyans with a colloquial Swahili phrase, “rada wasee,” expressing her excitement about her posting. “I am so happy to be here in Kenya,” she said, emphasizing her commitment to strengthening ties between the United States and Kenya.
Burns’ diplomatic achievements have earned her recognition, including the Edward R. Murrow Award for Excellence in Public Diplomacy in 2017. She holds a master’s degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College and a bachelor’s degree from McGill University. A skilled linguist, she speaks Mandarin, Polish, Nepali, Vietnamese, and French.
She succeeds Carla Benini, who guided the mission for the past two years. Benini had previously served as Counsellor for Public Affairs in Nairobi and worked in Washington, D.C., as Deputy Director for the Office of East African Affairs and as a Senior Advisor on strategic messaging regarding China. Her earlier postings included Uganda, Belgium, India, Brazil, Italy, and the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs.
As Chargé d’Affaires, Burns will lead the embassy’s efforts in advancing U.S.-Kenya relations in areas such as trade, security, health, and education. She will also oversee embassy operations and represent U.S. interests in the region until a new ambassador is appointed.
