President William Ruto on Monday, August 11, 2025, bid farewell to British High Commissioner Neil Wigan, who is set to take on a new assignment at the Foreign, Commonwealth Development Office.

In a statement on Monday, August 11, 2025, Ruto hailed the partnership between Kenya and the UK as strong and cordial, highlighting how it spans across security, business, infrastructure, and climate change.

“Bid farewell to British High Commissioner Neil Wigan, State House, Nairobi, as he leaves Kenya for another assignment at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO),” Ruto said.

Historical relations

“Kenya and the United Kingdom have historical relations that are cordial, strong, and deep. These ties have been boosted by the renewed Strategic Partnership characterised by mutual prosperity, security and stability, and climate action.”

In his farewell message, Ruto observed that the United Kingdom is one of Kenya’s biggest export markets.

“In addition, the UK is a major investor in Kenya, particularly in financial services, manufacturing, and telecommunications. For Kenya, the UK is one of our top export destinations and a major source of foreign investment,” Ruto said.

Continued partnerships

He stated that the partnership between the two countries would still continue in the long-term goal of easing transportation in the Nairobi Metropolitan area and achieving climate change best practices.

“Our strong collaboration is underpinned by programmes such as the Nairobi Railway City project meant to improve mobility in the Nairobi Metropolitan and the African Green Industrialisation Initiative on climate action,” Ruto noted.

After two years of dedicated service in Kenya, Wigan announced his departure, reflecting with pride on the strong and expanding partnership between Kenya and the United Kingdom.

During his tenure, the bilateral relationship has grown significantly across multiple sectors, delivering substantial benefits to both countries.

“I am deeply saddened to be leaving Kenya after a whirlwind two years,” Wigan said. “The Kenya-UK partnership has flourished in trade, investment, technology, innovation, and cultural ties–bringing benefits to both nations and their peoples.”

His new role as Director General Strategy and Delivery at the FCDO will see him shaping UK foreign policy on a broader scale, continuing his commitment to global partnership and development.