Trump Nominates Veteran Diplomat Henry Wooster as New US Ambassador to Kenya

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated seasoned diplomat Henry Wooster as the next United States Ambassador to Kenya, pending confirmation by the U.S. Senate.

The nomination, announced on Tuesday, June 2, is part of a broader slate of diplomatic appointments submitted for Senate approval. If confirmed, Wooster will take over as Washington’s top envoy in Nairobi at a time when the two countries continue to deepen cooperation in trade, security, and regional stability.

According to the White House, Wooster is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counsellor, one of the highest professional designations in U.S. diplomacy. His appointment is now subject to the Senate confirmation process, which includes committee vetting and a final vote.

Wooster brings more than 30 years of experience in diplomacy and international security. One of his most notable postings was serving as U.S. Ambassador to Jordan from 2020 to 2023, where he worked across two administrations, including Trump’s first term and the Biden administration.

He has also held senior roles within the U.S. State Department, including Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Maghreb and Egypt, where he helped shape American policy across North Africa. In addition, he previously 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.

Academically, Wooster holds a Bachelor of Arts from Amherst College and a Master of Arts from Yale University, reflecting a strong background in international relations and strategic policy.

If confirmed, he will replace former ambassador Meg Whitman, who completed her tenure in November 2024 following the transition of administrations.

The nomination comes as the United States continues to restructure its diplomatic presence globally, with several new ambassadorial appointments also announced for countries including Egypt, Brazil, Colombia, Indonesia, and others.

The U.S. Senate is expected to begin its review process in the coming weeks, with hearings and deliberations determining whether Wooster will officially assume his posting in Nairobi.