Trump Nominates Henry Wooster as New US Ambassador to Kenya
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President Donald Trump has nominated veteran diplomat Henry Wooster as the next United States ambassador to Kenya.
In a statement dated June 1, 2026, the White House confirmed that Henry Wooster, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, has been nominated for the position of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Kenya.
“Henry Wooster, of Virginia, a Career Member of the Senior Foreign Service, Class of Minister-Counselor, to be Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United States of America to the Republic of Kenya,” read part of the statement.
The nomination now moves to the U.S. Senate for consideration and approval before he can formally assume the ambassadorial position.
If confirmed, Wooster will replace the current U.S. envoy and take up one of Washington’s key diplomatic posts in East Africa.
Henry Wooster Nominated US Ambassador to Kenya
Wooster has served as the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince.
Before this role, he was the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs and previously served as U.S. Ambassador to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan from September 2020 to July 2023.
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Henry Wooster also held the position of Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for the Maghreb and Egypt, reflecting his extensive experience in Middle East and North Africa affairs.
Throughout his diplomatic career, Wooster has held multiple senior assignments, including Deputy Chief of Mission in Paris and Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Amman.
He has also served as Political Counselor at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and Director for Central Asia at the National Security Council.
Career Background
Additionally, Henry served as a Foreign Policy Advisor to the Commanding General of the U.S. Joint Special Operations Command, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iran, and Director of the Office of Iranian Affairs.
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He has also served in various capacities, including Deputy Director of the Office of Provincial Affairs in Embassy Baghdad, Special Assistant to former Deputy Secretary Jack Lew, Political Officer at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, and Executive Officer at the U.S. Mission to NATO.
Although he is best known for his role in the Foreign Service, Wooster served as an officer in the United States Army before joining the Foreign Service in 1991.
He holds a Master of Arts degree from Yale University and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Amherst College, underscoring his strong academic and professional background in international relations.
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President Donald Trump Takes Questions from Press During a Healthcare Event at the White House on May 18,2026
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