Noah Pitcher is a global politics correspondent for Today News Africa covering the U.S. government, United Nations, African Union, and other actors involved in international developments, political controversies, and humanitarian issues.
Lazarus Ombai Amayo has been serving as Kenya’s ambassador to the United States since he arrived at the embassy in July of 2020. Prior to working at the Kenyan embassy in Washington DC, Amayo had held several prestigious public positions in foreign affairs. From 2018 to 2020, Amayo was Kenya’s representative to the United Nations.
As an ambassador, Lazarus Amayo has met with many American leaders and Kenyan leaders. He has engaged on topics such as climate change, the coronavirus pandemic, and trade agreements.
The relationship between the United States and Kenya is based on the understanding that it is a bilateral partnership. Both nations have the potential to greatly benefit economically and politically if they work together to maintain a productive relationship. Kenya and the United States have had diplomatic relations with one another since 1964.
In February 2022, Kenyan Deputy President William Ruto visited the United States. He was received in Washington D.C. by Ambassador Amayo. Currently the Deputy President, Ruto is running for President with the intention of defeating incumbent President Uhuru Kenyatta in August. This has led to some division and increased political tensions in Kenya.
Amayo’s career in diplomatic service began over two decades ago and he has held many roles since then. He has been high Commissioner to the United Kingdom, India, Zambia, and Malawi.
Other positions held include representative to the International Maritime Organization and the Commonwealth Organization, Director for Europe and Commonwealth Division at the Ministry of Foreign affairs and International Trade, Representative to COMESA, Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Director of Administration and Head of International Organizations and Conferences.
Before starting his career in diplomacy, Ambassador Lazarus Amayo had been a member of parliament, CEO of Catering Levy Trustees, in the Ministry of Education, and with the Posts and Telecommunications Corporation. Prior to public service, Amayo was a teacher.
Ambassador Lazarus Ombai Amayo holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree from Spicer Memorial College in India and a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Delhi.