British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, has announced his exit from Nairobi, Kenya, at the end of August 2025. British High Commissioner to Kenya, Neil Wigan, during a meeting at State House, Kenya. He will take up a new position as Director General Strategy and Delivery at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London. Why is Neil Wigan leaving Nairobi? According to the UK government, this is after the elapse of his two-year tenure in the role. Announcing his departure, Wigan described his time in Kenya as a ‘whirlwind two years’ and praised the growing partnership between Kenya and the UK in areas including trade, innovation, investment, technology and cultural ties.
“I am extremely sorry to be leaving Kenya after a whirlwind two years. The Kenya-UK partnership has gone from strength to strength,” he said. Reflecting on his travels across most of Kenya’s counties, Wigan, who arrived in Kenya in August 2023, said he had witnessed the ‘incredible potential’ of the country and its people — from Maasai cultural meetings and women-led enterprises in Wajir to tea plantations in Bomet and the ‘Silicon Savannah.’ “It has been incredibly satisfying to be part of this journey. Kenya’s future is magnificent, and the UK will continue to be a strong partner,” he said. Who will succeed Neil Wigan?
Wigan had overseen key milestones in UK-Kenya relations, including King Charles III’s historic visit, UK-led marine training, a new strategic partnership, and major infrastructure projects like Nairobi Railway City. “Kenya and the UK are going far, together, and it has been incredibly rewarding to be part of that journey. Asanteni sana na kwaherini,” he added. The British High Commission said Wigan’s successor will be named in the coming months. In the interim, Deputy High Commissioner Dr Ed Barnett will serve as Chargé d’Affaires.
By Nancy Odindo
