New UK envoy to Kenya Neil Wigan reports for duty
National
By
Betty Njeru
| Aug 15, 2023
The United Kingdom's new High Commissioner to Kenya- designate, Neil Wigan has officially taken up his position as Head of Mission at the British High Commission in Nairobi.
In a statement dated Monday, August 14, Wigan expressed excitement as he assumes the role, at a time the Kenya-UK relations witness growth.
Wigan revealed that he takes a particular liking to Kenya, having visited in the 1970s.
"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. I am delighted to have returned, and am looking forward to exploring magical Kenya," read a statement by the embassy.
Top on his agenda is strengthening Kenya and UK relations, with a keen interest in the Sh500 billion of British investment in clean, green infrastructure projects.
"These projects, among others, will improve the lives of Kenyans, boost sustainable development, and help tackle climate change. I look forward to seeing these projects and other UK-Kenya partnerships," said Wigan.
Wigan, formally the UK Ambassador to Israel takes over the post from Jane Marriott.
The envoy, a holder of the Order of the British Empire (OBE), was appointed UK's Ambassador to Israel in June 2019, a role he had been serving until his appointment as UK's High Commissioner to Kenya.
His arrival comes as Britain's King Charles III is set to visit Kenya later in the year.