After Kenya's independence on December 12, 1963, the United States immediately recognized the new nation and moved to establish diplomatic relations. The embassy in Nairobi was established December 12, 1963—Kenya’s independence day—with Laurence C. Vass as chargé d’affaires ad interim pending the appointment of an ambassador. Ambassadors Notes See also Kenya – United States relations Foreign relations of Kenya Ambassadors of the United States References United States Department of State: Background notes on Kenya External links United States Department of State: Chiefs of Mission for Kenya United States Department of State: Kenya United States Embassy in Kenya Kenya United States