The United States ambassador to Kenya, Scott Gration, has submitted his resignation to Washington and is expected to leave his Nairobi office on July 28. He cites differences with Washington regarding his leadership style and certain priorities led him to make the decision to bow out.

Gration has served as the U.S. Ambassador to Kenya since May of 2011.

“This assignment has been the perfect opportunity to use my deep-rooted knowledge of Kenya- its people, its language and its culture-and my diplomatic, development, security and humanitarian experience,” Gration said in his statement.

He added ” I am proud of my 35 year career of dedicated and honourable service to our great nation, leading at all times with integrity first and the highest ethical standards.”

Scott Gration is a retired Major General of the United States Air Force, who worked as a policy advisor to President Barack Obama.

On March 18, 2009, Gration was named, and served, as the United States Special Envoy to Sudan.

On February 10, 2011, President Obama announced General Gration’s nomination to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Kenya.

He was confirmed by the Senate on April 14 and sworn in on April 19, 2011.

Kenya is seen as a key strategic base for US forces fighting Islamist groups in the region.