British High Commissioner Neil Wigan Ends Two-Year Tenure in Kenya

The British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan OBE, will be leaving Nairobi at the end of this month after two years of service.

He joined the commission in 2023 and, during his time, played a key role in strengthening the partnership between Kenya and the United Kingdom.

He said his time in Kenya had been a whirlwind two years during which the bilateral partnership had grown significantly.

According to him, the relationship between the two nations strengthened in areas such as trade, investment, technology, and innovation, while cultural exchanges also thrived.

Wigan noted that these advancements had benefited both countries and their citizens, creating new opportunities for collaboration and laying a foundation for continued engagement.

“I am extremely sorry to be leaving Kenya after a whirlwind two years. The Kenya-UK partnership has gone from strength to strength, whether in trade, investment, technology, innovation or cultural links, benefiting both countries and peoples,” Wigan stated.

Several important milestones marked this period, including the historic visit of His Majesty King Charles III, the signing of the new Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership, Kenyan marines being trained by the UK, and vital infrastructure investments like the Nairobi Railway City project.

He also shared his admiration for Kenya’s potential and its people.

“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 do not doubt that Kenya’s future is bright,” he said.

Adding;

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

During his tenure, he visited 28 of Kenya’s 47 counties but expressed regret for not having visited them all.

The High Commissioner will take up a new role as Director General Strategy and Delivery at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in London.

“My family and I are sad to be leaving Kenya. I have had a wonderful time, from the King’s State Visit to meeting women entrepreneurs in Wajir. I visited 28 of 47 Counties. We leave with happy memories. Thank you, @UKinKenya. Kwaheri na asanteni,” he wrote on his X account on Monday, August 11.