2013 Press Releases
Robert F. Godec Sworn In as U.S. Ambassador to Kenya
January 23, 2013
Secretary of State Hilary Rodham Clinton administered the oath of office to Robert F. Godec on January 16, 2013 in Washington, D.C., as the next U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Kenya.
At her daily press briefing, U.S. State Department Spokesperson Victoria Nuland said Ambassador Godec’s appointment is important because “Kenya is one of the United States’ most strategic partners in Africa and is preparing to hold national elections on March 4th.”
“These are the first national elections under Kenya’s new constitution, and they are an opportunity for Kenya to show the world it has moved decisively past the tragic violence following the disputed 2007 elections. Underscoring our commitment to a strong relationship with the people and Government of Kenya and our commitment to support free, fair, and peaceful elections, Secretary Clinton wanted to get Ambassador Godec on his way as quickly as she could,” Nuland said.
In addition to serving in numerous senior positions within the Department of State in Washington, Ambassador Godec served as U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia from 2006 to 2009. He also served at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi from 1996 to 1999.