Kenyan youth leader and governance advocate Kasmuel McOure has emphasised the importance of strengthening ties between Kenya and the United States, following his engagement with the new U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Kenya, Susan M. Burns.

McOure was among dignitaries and distinguished leaders who attended a welcome dinner hosted at the U.S. Embassy Residence in Nairobi last evening in honour of Burns. The dinner provided an opportunity for Kenyan leaders to interact with the new envoy and discuss the future of U.S.–Kenya relations.

“Glad to have joined fellow dignitaries and distinguished leaders at the welcome dinner for the new U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Kenya, Susan M. Burns, hosted at the U.S. Embassy Residence last evening,” McOure said in a statement.

He noted that the evening was not only a diplomatic event but also a platform for young leaders like himself to have meaningful conversations on how Kenya and the United States can work more closely together.

“It was an honour to engage her in a meaningful conversation on U.S.–Kenya relations as a young leader and alumnus of U.S.–Kenya exchange programs, particularly the Mandela Washington Fellowship,” McOure added.

The Mandela Washington Fellowship is part of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), a flagship program launched by the U.S. government to invest in emerging African leaders. McOure, an alumnus of the program, has previously spoken on the need for young leaders to bridge global partnerships and drive innovation at home.

During the event, he expressed gratitude to the U.S. Mission in Kenya for its consistent engagement with Kenyan youth and institutions. He also reaffirmed his commitment to continued collaboration that benefits both nations.

“I remain grateful for the cordial ties with the U.S. Mission in Kenya and look forward to continued collaboration for the advancement of our two nations,” McOure said.

The new U.S. envoy, Susan Burns, takes office at a time when Kenya and the United States are deepening cooperation in governance, education, trade, and security. Her arrival also comes as both countries navigate global challenges such as climate change, technology, and peacebuilding.

For McOure, the dinner marked another opportunity to demonstrate the role of young leaders in shaping Kenya’s global voice while working alongside established diplomats and policymakers.