ODM Youth Leader Kasmuel McOure joined dignitaries and senior leaders at a welcome dinner hosted at the U.S. Embassy Residence in Nairobi to honor Susan M. Burns, the new U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Kenya. The dinner offered Kenyan leaders an opportunity to engage the envoy and exchange ideas on 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 explained that the evening went beyond diplomacy, serving as a platform for young leaders like himself to explore how Kenya and the U.S. can deepen their cooperation. McOure underscored the need to strengthen ties between the two nations.

“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,” he added.

The Mandela Washington Fellowship, a component of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), is a flagship U.S. program that supports emerging African leaders. As an alumnus, McOure has often highlighted the importance of young leaders driving innovation at home while building global partnerships.

During the event, he thanked the U.S. Mission in Kenya for its steady engagement with Kenyan youth and institutions. He also pledged to continue fostering collaborations that advance shared goals.

“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.