The new Chargé d’Affaires at the United States Embassy in Nairobi, Susan M. Burns , on Wednesday explored Karura Forest as she settles in Kenya to begin her duties.
Susan M. Burns was elated to visit Karura Forest, as she termed it her first exploration of her new hometown.
In a statement on X, the Chargé d’Affaires asked Kenyans to suggest other places she can visit as she gets to know Kenya better.
“Exploring my new hometown, beginning with a visit to Nairobi’s amazing Karura Forest. This urban oasis stands as a tribute to Kenyans like Wangarĩ Maathai, who understood the vitality of preserving forests and natural spaces,” she said.
“I welcome advice from my Kenyan neighbours and followers on other gems for me to explore as I get to know my new home.”
On August 25, 2025, Susan M. Burns 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.
A seasoned diplomat and career member of the Senior Foreign Service, Burns takes over from Carla Benini, who had served in the position since 2023.
“I am so happy to be here in Kenya, ‘rada wasee’,” Burns said in a video posted on the embassy’s social media platforms, using a colloquial Swahili greeting.
Burns brings extensive diplomatic experience, having most recently served as Principal Officer at the U.S. Consulate in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, from 2022 to 2025.
Her career includes key roles 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, Uganda, and Kathmandu, Nepal.
She has also served in Poland, Ghana, Taiwan, and several Washington-based bureaus.
Burns succeeds Carla Benini, who had served as Chargé d’Affaires for the past two years. Benini first came to Kenya as Counsellor for Public Affairs and previously 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 diplomatic postings included Uganda, Belgium, India, Brazil, Italy, and the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs.
