President William Ruto has held talks with the United States of America’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William J Burn.
The two met at the State House in Nairobi on Monday, January 15, 2024, moments after the President concluded a Cabinet meeting at the same venue.
“Held consultations with the United States of America Central Intelligence Agency Director William J. Burns at State House Nairobi,” Ruto said in a statement without divulging further details of the meeting.
Burns was accompanied by the United States of America’s Ambassador to Kenya Meg Whitman.
CIA’s role
The US’s foreign intelligence agency collects and analyzes foreign intelligence and conducts covert action.
“US policymakers, including the President of the United States, make policy decisions informed by the information we provide,” the agency stated on its website.
The Director is tasked with managing the Agency’s intelligence collection, analysis, covert action, counterintelligence, and liaison relationships with foreign services. He also oversees the management of foreign intelligence acquired by human sources.
The CIA Director is nominated by the President with the advice, consent, and confirmation of the Senate. He reports to the Director of National Intelligence.
Burns was sworn in as CIA Director in March 2021, making him the first career diplomat to serve as Director. He was promoted to Cabinet rank by President Biden in June 2023.
“Director Burns has served six Presidents and Administrations of both parties during nearly four decades of public service in diplomacy and intelligence. He is only the second serving career diplomat in history to become Deputy Secretary of State, and also served as U.S. Ambassador to Russia and Jordan,” CIA stated.
