UK Government on Wednesday, April 19, announced that it had picked Neil Wigan OBE as its next High Commissioner to Kenya replacing Jane Marriott whose term is set to end in July 2023.
In a statement seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the foreign government indicated that Marriott will head out for another diplomatic deployment.
"Mr Neil Wigan OBE has been appointed British High Commissioner to the Republic of Kenya in succession to Ms Jane Marriott who will be transferring to another Diplomatic Service appointment.
"Wigan will take up his appointment during July 2023," read the statement in part.
While confirming the news, Marriot expressed her gratitude to Kenyans for the support she got during her tenure. She also called on Kenyans to support her replacement.
"After four amazing years, my time in Kenya is up in June - I will miss Kenya and Kenyans enormously. Make sure to follow my successor and look out for more soon on what we achieve together. Tufaulu pamoja (we shall succeed together)," she stated.
Marriott was appointed to Kenya in 2019 and took over from Nic Hailey.
Following her appointment, she made history as she was the first woman to be named a High Commissioner to Kenya.
Prior to her deployment to Kenya, she served as the director of the UK’s Joint International Counter-Terrorism Unit.
"In that role, she had responsibility for the overall design of the UK’s international counter-terrorism strategies, working with cross-Government and international stakeholders," read the statement in part.
Neil Wigan's Profile
"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," Wigan stated in his maiden statement after the appointment.
Before his appointment to Kenya, he served as His Majesty’s Ambassador stationed at Tel Aviv in Israel.
He previously served as ambassador stationed in Mogadishu - Somalia and Kinshasa - the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Apart from diplomatic assignments, he served in the Cabinet as the Deputy Director of the Foreign and Defence Policy Secretariat.
Wigan is married and has two children.
