By Samuel Ouma
Neil Wigan has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya
Neil, who has been serving as an Ambassador to Tel Avil since 2019, replaces Jane Marriott, whose tenure will expire in July 2023.
In a statement, the Commission said that Ms. Marriott will be transferred to another diplomatic service.
He will take up his appointment in July 2023.
Mr. Neil acknowledged his appointment with joy.
“My family and I are delighted to return to Kenya in July, as I take up the post of UK High Commissioner. It is an exciting time for our partnership, with Kenya playing a vital role in the region. I look forward to seeing you soon,” he posted on Twitter.
Mr. Neil joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) in 2000 and worked for two years as a desk officer in the European Union Department.
From 2002 to 2006, he served as First Secretary and Head of the Political Section in Tel Aviv before leading the Arab Israel and North Africa office.
He worked as a Deputy Director in the Foreign and Defence Policy Secretariat from 2008 to 2010 and then as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Ambassador in Kinshasa for three years.
Between 2013 and 2015, he served in the same post in Mogadishu before being promoted to the FCO’s Director for Africa from 2015 to 2018.
Mr. Neil subsequently became Ambassador to Tel Aviv in 2019, a position he held till his new position as British High Commissioner to Kenya.
On her side, Ms. Marriott said she will miss Kenya and Kenyans after leaving the country in July.
“After four amazing years, my time in Kenya is up in June – I will miss Kenya and Kenyans enormously. Do make sure to follow my successor Neil Wigan, and look out for more soon on what we achieve together. I’ll be popping up in another role in July,” said Ms. Marriott.
