British High Commissioner bids farewell to Kenya

The British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, has today (Monday) announced his departure from Nairobi at the end of this month after two years in Nairobi.

He leaves Kenya to take up the new position of Director General Strategy and Delivery at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London.

Reflecting on his time in Kenya, the High Commissioner expressed his sadness at leaving after a “whirlwind two years,” praising the growing partnership between Kenya and the UK in trade, investment, technology, innovation, and cultural exchange, which he said has benefited both nations.

“Since I arrived in 2023, the close partnership between our two great nations has seen the historic visit of His Majesty King Charles III, the signing of the new Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership, Kenyan marines trained by the UK, vital infrastructure investments including Nairobi Railway City and so much more” he noted.

“I have also seen first hand the incredible potential of Kenya and her people. From taking part in a Maasai elders meeting, to seeing how UK support is helping establish women-led businesses in Wajir, from the tea plantations of Bomet County to the Silicon Savannah, I’ve no doubt that Kenya’s future is bright. I have visited most of Kenya’s counties – I am sorry not have visited them all “, he added.

The commissioner noted that Kenya and the UK are making great strides together.

“Kenya and the UK are going far, together, and it has been incredibly rewarding to be part of that journey. Asanteni sana na kwaherini.” He said.

According to the comsision, his successor will be announced in the coming months. In the meantime, Deputy High Commissioner to Kenya, Dr Ed Barnett, will be Chargé.

Before coming to Kenya, he was Ambassador to the State of Israel from June 2019 to June 2023. He also served as Director for Africa at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) from November 2015 to September 2018, British Ambassador to Somalia from June 2013 to July 2015, and British Ambassador to the Democratic Republic of Congo from March 2010 to March 2013.