Trump Nominates Henry Wooster as Next US Ambassador to Kenya
U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated veteran diplomat Henry Wooster as the next United States Ambassador to Kenya. The nomination now awaits approval by the U.S. Senate.
The announcement was made on June 2, 2026, as part of a new set of diplomatic appointments submitted for Senate confirmation. Wooster will officially take office in Nairobi if approved.
Experienced Diplomat Picked for Key Role
The White House described Wooster as a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counsellor. This rank places him among the most senior diplomats in the U.S. foreign service.
Wooster brings more than 30 years of experience in diplomacy and military-related policy roles. He previously served as U.S. Ambassador to Jordan from 2020 to 2023 under both the Trump and Biden administrations.
He has also held senior positions, including Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Maghreb and Egypt, where he handled U.S. policy in North Africa and the Middle East.
Wooster also served as Director for Central Asia at the National Security Council and as a Foreign Policy Advisor to the U.S. Joint Special Operations Command.
Strong Academic and Diplomatic Background
He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Amherst College and a Master’s degree from Yale University. His background combines academic training with extensive field experience.
Transition in US-Kenya Diplomatic Leadership
If confirmed, Wooster will replace former Ambassador Meg Whitman, who completed her term in November 2024. His appointment comes at a time when Kenya and the United States continue to strengthen cooperation across multiple sectors.
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