Ambassador Marc Dillard Ends Tenure As Acting US Envoy To Kenya

Ambassador Marc Dillard has concluded his tenure as the Acting United States Ambassador to Kenya.

Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga bid farewell to Dillard on Wednesday, June 10, 2025, following what he described as a productive meeting.

“Today I bid farewell to Ambassador Marc Dillard, the acting US Ambassador to Kenya, as his assignment here comes to an end. We have had productive discussions covering recent developments in Kenya, the United States, and indeed, around the world,” Raila wrote on social media.

He said they both acknowledged and celebrated the strong partnership between Kenya and the United States. Dillard reportedly assured Raila that the ties between the two nations would not only remain strong but also grow further in the coming years.

Raila, however, raised concern over sudden changes in US policy affecting developing countries like Kenya, noting the importance of such policies taking into account the challenges and realities of the Global South.

Dillard took over leadership at the US Embassy in Nairobi in November 2024 following the resignation of Ambassador Meg Whitman. A career diplomat with over 25 years of service, Dillard is a member of the US Senior Foreign Service.

He previously served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the US Embassy in Nairobi since August 2022, making him the second-highest-ranking official at the embassy and a key player in US-Kenya relations.

Dillard has held various senior roles globally, including Deputy Chief of Mission in Budapest, Director of Economic Policy Analysis and Public Diplomacy at the State Department, and postings in Bulgaria, Malawi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Japan, and Korea.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in History from Duke University and a PhD in Political Economy and Public Policy from the University of Southern California. Before joining the diplomatic service in 1998, he worked as a private consultant and economics lecturer.

During his service, Dillard received several State Department awards recognizing his commitment and leadership in diplomacy.