Neil Wigan OBE, the incoming British High Commissioner to Kenya, arrived in Nairobi on August 14 to assume his role at the British High Commission Nairobi.
Wigan takes over from Jane Marriott, stepping into a crucial period for UK-Kenya relations marked by increased UK aid expenditure in Kenya.
Upon his arrival, Wigan expressed his happiness, highlighting that his children had received education in the capital city.
“It has been a long-term ambition of mine to lead the team at the British High Commission in Nairobi. I first visited Kenya in 1977, my children went to school in Nairobi, and I have visited Kenya many times, for work and pleasure. I am delighted to have returned, and am looking forward to exploring magical Kenya,” he said.
He said that he was looking forward to working with the Government of Kenya on the priorities of our Strategic Partnership, particularly the Sh500 billion of UK investment in clean, green infrastructure projects, including Nairobi Railway City, Menengai Geothermal Plant, Grand High Falls Dam and the Malindi Solar Expansion project.
“These projects, among others, will improve the lives of Kenyans, boost sustainable development and help tackle climate change. I look forward to seeing these projects and other UK-Kenya partnerships,” he added.
“Across the partnership, there are further opportunities for us to go far, together. Tufaulu Pamoja!”
He takes up his post at an exciting time for UK-Kenya relations, with the relationship between both countries and peoples going from strength to strength.
Wigan was appointed British High Commissioner to Kenya in April. He succeeds Ms Marriott who was transferred to another Diplomatic Service appointment.
The United Kingdom government said Wigan would take up his appointment in July.
Prior to his appointment, Wigan was Tel Aviv Ambassador since 2019.
He has also served as a UK Ambassador to Kinshasa and Mogadishu as well as FCO Director of Africa.
