New British High Commissioner Neil Wigan Arrives to Start Kenyan Assignment

By Samuel Ouma

New British High Commissioner Neil Wigan arrived in Kenya on Monday, August 14, to take his new role.

Upon his arrival, elated Neil said he is looking forward to working with President William Ruto’s administration.

“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,” said Neil.

“I look forward to working with the Government of Kenya on the priorities of our Strategic Partnership, particularly the KES 500 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.”

He stated that these projects will improve the lives of Kenyans, boost sustainable development and help tackle climate change.

Neil takes up the position at an exciting period in UK-Kenya ties, with both nations' and peoples' relationships growing stronger.

He remembered the Strategic Partnership inked between the United Kingdom and Kenya in 2020 to combat climate change, increase mutual prosperity and sustainable development, promote people-to-people ties, and reinforce crucial security cooperation.

“The UK is working with the Kenyan government to improve lives and livelihoods, while the defence partnership ensures the safety and security of the two countries and promotes Kenya’s role as a stabilising force in the region,” he added.

He went on to say that the UK and Kenya have a long and complicated history that has forged strong links between the two countries, governments, and people.

“This year, we celebrate 40 years of the Chevening scholarship programme, which has enabled more than 600 Kenyans to study at UK universities.

Through the British Council, the UK has strengthened Kenya's creative and cultural industries, and the UK-Kenya Tech Hub is working with entrepreneurs and tech talent to build a sustainable digital ecosystem,” said Neil.

The United Kingdom is Kenya's largest overseas investor and its sixth-largest export market.