Newly appointed Chargé d’Affaires at the United States Embassy in Nairobi, Susan Burns, has expressed her admiration for Kenya’s stunning tourist attractions.
Burns has even reached out to Kenyans for travel suggestions as she begins her diplomatic tour in the country.
In a warm and engaging video shared on her official account on X, Burns is seen standing atop the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), taking in panoramic views of Nairobi.
Speaking in Swahili, she greeted Kenyans with enthusiasm: “Vipi wa Kenya, Karibuni sana kutoka KICC,” and added, “From up here you can truly see the beauty and breadth of Nairobi.”
Clearly captivated by the view, Burns thanked the KICC team for the warm welcome and described it as offering “the best view of the city.”
She went on to ask Kenyans: “Where should I go next?”—a question that has sparked responses suggesting Kenya’s top destinations from the coast to the highlands.
“I am looking forward to hearing more about places I should visit in Kenya. On good days, we can go out to Mt Kenya or even Kilimanjaro,” she added, underscoring her eagerness to explore the country's natural heritage.
Burns recently succeeded Carla Benini as Chargé d’Affaires. Benini has served in the role since 2023 and previously worked in various senior diplomatic capacities, including as Deputy Director for the Office of East African Affairs in Washington, D.C.
A veteran diplomat and member of the U.S. Senior Foreign Service, Susan Burns brings a wealth of experience, having served in key roles including Director for the Office of Mainland Southeast Asia and as Public Affairs Officer in Kampala, Uganda, and Kathmandu, Nepal.
She has also served in Poland, Ghana, Taiwan, and several Washington-based bureaus.
She speaks Mandarin, Polish, Nepali, Vietnamese, and French.
With her friendly tone and curiosity about Kenyan culture and landscapes, Burns is already winning the hearts of many Kenyans online, signaling a promising start to her mission in Nairobi.
