British High Commissioner Neil Wigan Bids Farewell To Kenya After Two Years

British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan is set to leave the country at the end of this month, marking the end of his two-year tenure in Nairobi.

Reflecting on his time in Kenya Wigan described the period as “a whirlwind two years” during which the Kenya–UK partnership “went from strength to strength” in trade, investment, technology, innovation, and cultural exchanges.

Since arriving in 2023, he oversaw key milestones including the historic visit of King Charles III, the signing of a new Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership, training of Kenyan marines by the UK, and major investments such as the Nairobi Railway City project.

He also travelled widely across the country, meeting Maasai elders, visiting women-led businesses in Wajir, touring tea plantations in Bomet, and engaging with innovators in Nairobi’s Silicon Savannah. “I have no doubt that Kenya’s future is bright,” he said.

Wigan will return to London to take up the role of Director General Strategy and Delivery at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

On Monday, President William Ruto hosted him at State House, praising the strong and historic ties between Kenya and the UK. The President said the renewed Strategic Partnership has deepened cooperation in mutual prosperity, security, stability, and climate action.

“The UK is a major investor in Kenya, especially in financial services, manufacturing, and telecommunications. It is also one of our top export destinations,” President Ruto said, highlighting flagship collaborations such as the Nairobi Railway City project and the African Green Industrialisation Initiative.

Wigan has met other leaders in Kenya this month including former prime minister Raila Odinga and Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.