On April 22, 2025, SPIA and the Liechtenstein Institute on Self-Determination (LISD) Africa Program are honored to welcome Her Excellency Margaret “Meg” Whitman ‘77, the former U.S. Ambassador to Kenya, for a discussion on U.S.-Kenya relations and Kenya’s pivotal role in East Africa and beyond.

Ambassador Whitman served as the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya from August 2022 to November 2024, during the terms of Kenyan Presidents Uhuru Kenyatta and William Ruto. Ambassador Whitman brought decades of business experience to the role, holding executive positions at Hewlett Packard, eBay, The Walt Disney Company, DreamWorks, Procter & Gamble, and Hasbro.

During her tenure, Ambassador Whitman played a transformative role in strengthening diplomatic, economic, and security ties between the United States and Kenya. Under her leadership, the U.S. deepened its engagement with Kenya, reinforcing partnerships in trade, technology, and governance. Her tenure was marked by significant milestones, including President William Ruto’s historic state visit to Washington, D.C. in May 2024, the first state visit by an African head of state in nearly two decades, underscoring Kenya’s strategic importance to the U.S., as well as the deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti as part of an international force.

Kenya is central to East Africa’s economic and geopolitical environment, acting as a vital hub for trade, innovation, diplomacy, and security. As a key participant in the African Continental Free Trade Area and a leading advocate for regional security, Kenya plays a crucial role in determining the direction of sub-Saharan Africa’s economic integration and political stability. Its long-standing relationship with the U.S. includes decades of development cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and investment initiatives, which continue to impact the region and beyond.

Ambassador Whitman’s visit to LISD and SPIA presents a unique opportunity to engage with a leader who has been at the forefront of U.S. foreign policy in Africa.

Sponsorship of an event does not constitute institutional endorsement of external speakers or views presented.
Please note that registration does not guarantee admission to the event. Entry is subject to venue capacity and other conditions. Thank you for your understanding.