New British ambassador arrives in Kenya

By Peter Ochieng

New British High Commissioner has arrived in the country to start his Kenyan assignment.

Speaking on arrival, ambassador Neil Wigan said he is happy to be back.

“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."

He said he will closely with the Kenya Kwanza administration on strategic partnership.

"I look forward to working with the Government of Kenya on the priorities of our Strategic Partnership, particularly the Sh500 billion of UK investment in clean energy, green infrastructure projects including Nairobi Railway City, Menengai Geothermal Plant, Grand High Falls Dam and the Malindi Solar Expansion project,” he added.

“I look forward to seeing these projects and other UK-Kenya partnerships for myself." The UK ambassador said Kenya and his country share deep and complex history.

"Our people-to-people bonds are the foundation of our relationship. This year we celebrate 40 years of Chevening, our scholarship programme, which has enabled more than 600 Kenyans to study at UK universities,” he stated.

“Through the British Council, we have 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.”

He takes over from Jane Marriot who was recalled and redeployed to Pakistan, after her tour of duty lapsed mid this year.