Illinois state senator Kyle McCarter‘s name has been forwarded to US President Donald Trump for consideration for appointment as ambassador to Kenya.
Republican members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation delivered the letter to the White House on Thursday recommending him for the post. The letter cites McCarter’s history of working in Kenya, including founding the Each One Feed One charity that is based in Tharaka Nithi. The charity caters for the education of hundreds of abandoned, abused and orphaned children. It also provides a medical clinic for those suffering from HIV and Malaria. Together with his wife, Senator McCarter has worked in Kenya for over 30 years.
In the same letter, the Republican members curiously mention his experience in ”negotiating with tribal chiefs”.
“Through his work in Kenya, he has experience negotiating with tribal chiefs and other dignitaries, along with logistical and other administrative experience working with the Kenyan government. Additionally, he has experience working with USAID and other organizations, including Compassion International within Kenya to provide health care for over 3,000 Kenyan children.”
“…his experience on the ground in Kenya has provided him heightened insight into the governmental operations and other political, economic, and social realities of both Kenya and the larger region of East Africa. He has outlined specific ideas for reforms of USAID spending, including curtailing waste, fraud, and abuse within the program,” the letter states.
On his consideration for the post, Senator McCarter said, “I’m honored and humbled to have the unanimous recommendation of our Republican Congressional Delegation to serve the United States of America in this new role. Our country has a long friendship with Kenya that began soon after the country won its independence in late 1963, and my family’s personal friendship goes back over 30 years. If President Trump selects me for this role, I would be honored to serve.”
The Ambassador post requires a Presidential nomination as well as U.S. Senate confirmation.
