UK names ambassador to Israel new High Commissioner to Kenya

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) on Wednesday announced UK Ambassador to Israel Neil Wigan as the new High Commissioner effective July 2023. PHOTO | COURTESY

The United Kingdom (UK) has appointed a new High Commissioner to replace Jane Marriott who is set to end her tour of duty in July after four years. 

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) on Wednesday announced UK Ambassador to Israel Neil Wigan as the new High Commissioner effective July 2023. 

“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,” Foreign Offive announced on Wednesday. 

Ms Marriot was appointed in 2019 to take over from Nic Hailey. 

Mr Wigan is the current UK ambassador to Israel. He previously served as FCO director for Africa, and ambassador to Somalia (2013-2015) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (2010-2013). 

“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,” Mr Wigan announced on his Twitter page on Wednesday. 

Ms Marriott is expected to take a new diplomatic appointment which FCO has not disclosed. 

She previously served as Director for Joint International Counter-Terrorism Unit in the Home Office, as ambassador to Yemen and as British deputy ambassador to Iran.

She has also undertaken postings in Iraq, the USA and Afghanistan.

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