Africa-Press – Kenya. Ambassador Maurice Makoloo, on February 19, formally presented his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Charles III at St James’s Palace, officially assuming office as the 16th High Commissioner of the Republic of Kenya to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
The presentation of Letters of Credence marks a key diplomatic milestone, highlighting the enduring and mutually beneficial relationship between Kenya and the United Kingdom.
Ambassador Makoloo succeeds his predecessors on a foundation of strengthened bilateral ties, reflecting decades of cooperation across trade, security, and cultural exchange.
In a Vin d’Honneur address following the ceremony, Ambassador Makoloo described the day as “a deeply humbling moment – one that reflects both the enduring friendship between our two nations and the living bonds between our peoples.”
He expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom Government and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office for the “warmth, professionalism, and courtesy extended to me and my family since our arrival.”
The Ambassador highlighted the collaborative nature of diplomacy, emphasising that it is “never a solitary undertaking. It is a shared endeavour.” He paid tribute to his predecessors, noting that the success of Kenya’s mission in London rests on their dedicated service.
“My tenure here will be guided by a simple conviction: that the Kenya–UK partnership must not only endure, but innovate, inspire, and deliver tangible benefits for our peoples,” Ambassador Makoloo said.
“We shall strengthen our political engagement, enhance trade and investment, and engineer deeper people-to-people and technological collaboration.”
Ambassador Maurice Makoloo Vin d’Honneur’s address after he formally presented his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Charles III at St James’s Palace on February 19, 2026/HANDOUT
Ambassador Makoloo brings to his new assignment extensive experience in diplomacy, international development, governance, and law.
He previously served as Kenya’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations Offices in Vienna, with concurrent accreditation to several Central and Eastern European countries.
His career also includes senior leadership roles at international organisations, including Vice President for Africa at Habitat for Humanity International and Regional Director for Eastern Africa at the Ford Foundation.
During the address, he underscored the importance of the Kenyan diaspora as strategic partners in national development, praising their contributions in remittances, knowledge transfer, and technology exchange.
“Here in the United Kingdom, and indeed across the world, Kenyan students, professionals, entrepreneurs, and community leaders build bridges across cultures and generations,” he said.
Ambassador Makoloo also noted the significance of ongoing multilateral cooperation, particularly in climate action. Drawing on Kenya’s hosting of the United Nations Environment Programme and the Africa Climate Summit in 2023, he said the country views climate mitigation and adaptation as “urgent imperatives.”
He reaffirmed Kenya’s appreciation for the United Kingdom’s partnership in promoting green growth and renewable energy initiatives.
The Ambassador highlighted Kenya’s evolving role in innovation and trade, referencing the country’s Silicon Savannah and transformative solutions such as M-Pesa, which are now studied in business schools worldwide.
He pointed to the nation’s vibrant youth, creative industries, and growing digital economy as areas offering immense opportunities for collaboration.
Ambassador Maurice Makoloo, after he formally presented his Letters of Credence to His Majesty King Charles III at St James’s Palace on February 19, 2026/HANDOUT
Concluding his remarks, Ambassador Makoloo invited guests to celebrate Kenyan culture and hospitality in London, from aromatic coffee and world-renowned tea to roses supplied by Kenya’s Flamingo Group.
He extended warm wishes to Muslims observing Ramadhan and Christians during Lent, noting that the timing underscored the unity that can flourish within diversity.
Raising a toast, Ambassador Makoloo honoured His Majesty, stating: “Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, may I now invite you to join me in a toast to the health of His Majesty The King. To The King. Asanteni sana.”
The Vin d’Honneur was attended by Mr Alistair Harrison, Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps at the Court of St James’s, alongside ambassadors and high commissioners accredited to the United Kingdom, as well as Kenyan diaspora leaders.
