US envoy to Kenya addresses residents in Kikuyu during visit to Nyeri & Murang’a
By Charles Ouma, February 13, 2026The United States envoy to Kenya, Susan Burns, switched to speaking Kikuyu during a recent visit to Murang’a and Nyeri counties.
Burns, who is the Chargé d’Affaires, visited the two counties to see the American partnerships with the two counties in various areas and embraced cultural diplomacy by using the local dialect during the visit.
In a video posted on her official X account on Friday, February 13, 2026, the diplomat is seen striking a connection with the audience by using the local dialect and Swahili before switching to English.
She also concludes her speech with a thank-you note delivered in Kiswahili and Kikuyu.
“Jambo! Mũrĩega!” Burns says before explaining the purpose of her visit.
American partnership in action
Burns celebrated the collaboration, noting it is great to witness American partnership in action.
“I’m here visiting Nyeri and Muranga. I’ve had a great visit so far and learnt a lot so far about the partnerships that we have. “I got a real chance in Nyeri to see the great work that our health team has done here for over 20 years and will continue to do with the Nyeri County Referral Hospital and the life-saving work that they are doing with HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis and other diseases,” she said.
She stated that the said partnerships are bringing cutting-edge technology to Kenya, cutting across Artificial Intelligence (AI), entrepreneurship and more.
Meeting with Nyeri & Murang’a Governors
A statement posted on her X account on Friday, February 13, 2026, also opened and concluded in Swahili and Kikuyu.
“Jambo! Mũrĩega! I’m visiting Nyeri and Murang’a counties to see some of the amazing American partnerships in these counties in the areas of health, education, and business. Asante! Nīwega Mũno,” reads a statement posted on her X account on Friday, February 13, 2026.
The visit also saw her meet the leadership of the two counties, with the U.S. envoy mentioning the agenda of their meeting.
“Appreciated the opportunity to meet @HonKangata in Murang’a. We explored ways to collaborate and create tangible benefits for the people of Murang’a and America,” she said.
Burns took over from Carla Benini on August 25, 2025, becoming the highest-ranking American diplomat in the country.