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US envoy Godec appointment 'important'
Robert Godec (left) and Speaker Kenneth Marende (right) during a media briefing at Parliament Buildings in thus file photo. Mr Godec has been formally appointed as the United States ambassador to Kenya January 23, 2013.
Robert Godec has been formally appointed as the United States ambassador to Kenya.
Mr Godec was sworn in during a brief ceremony in Washington DC on January 16. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton administered the oath of office.
US State Department spokesperson Victoria Nuland said Mr 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, Nuland said in a statement.
"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."
In addition to serving in numerous senior positions within the Department of State in Washington, Ambassador Godec served as US Ambassador to Tunisia from 2006 to 2009.
He also served at the US Embassy in Nairobi from 1996 to 1999.
Prior to his appointment, Mr Godec was the Chargé d’affaires at the US Embassy in Nairobi.
