Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy Carla Benini giving her keynote speech during a reception event at the Ambassador's official residence on August 21, 2025./DOUGLAS OKIDDY The United States and Kenya maintain a longstanding partnership and relationship through a multitude of academic and professional exchange programmes.
Last week, the US Embassy in Nairobi hosted a reception ceremony for approximately 100 alumni who participated in various exchange programs.
The reception was also to give participants a deeper connection and understanding of the US mission that laid the groundwork for ongoing and continued cooperation.
Speaking during the reception ceremony, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Carla Benini said,"
You represent the best of Kenya's talent and potential, and we are honoured that you have made the US part of your story. You are joining more than 8,000 Kenyans who have participated in official educational exchange programs to the United States.
She said. U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Carla Benini explained the US commitment to empowering leaders across government, business, civil society, and academia who are uniquely positioned to drive Kenya's economic growth and future.
Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy Carla Benini interacting with participants of the 2025 U.S. Exchange Programs during a reception event at the Ambassador's official residence on August 21, 2025./DOUGLAS OKIDDY"By leveraging your experience, network, and ideas, you can address pressing challenges, create opportunities, and inspire others to follow your lead." She added.
These exchange programmes are the Mandela Washington Fellowship, TechGirls, Foreign Press Center Media Co op, Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant Program, Fulbright Teaching Execllence and Achievement Program, Fulbright Scholar in resident Program, Study of the US Institutes for Scholars and Women Leaders, Fulbright Foreign Program Students, Hubert H Humphrey Fellowship Program, American Film Showcase, Global Undergraduate Exchange Program, Arts Envoy, American Music Abroad, International Visitor Leadership Program, BridgeUS and the Community Solutions Program.
These highly competitive programs aim to identify current and future leaders who will go to the United States or come to Kenya with an open mind and commit to returning to their host country to share what they have learned with their fellow citizens.
US-Kenya Alumni Association vice chair Ella Wafula said, "We have a mandate of keeping a very experienced and professional network from a robust country that leads in the region."
Chargé d’Affaires at the US Embassy Carla Benini poses for a group photo with participants of the 2025 U.S. Exchange Programs during a reception event at the Ambassador's official residence on August 21, 2025./DOUGLAS OKIDDYODM youth leader and political activist Kasmuel McOure was among the alumnis who got accepted to a prestigious institutions which was the Presidencial Precinct in the State of Virginia under the civic engagement track said "this opportunity opens your eyes and broadens your perspectives; personally, it gave me a firmer resolve to come and change home, improve the systems that are around me."
Kenya is among the leading countries in Africa, with over 4500 students studying at universities in the United States.
