Africa-Press – Kenya. The United Kingdom’s new High Commissioner-designate to Kenya, Matt Baugh, has arrived in Nairobi to take up his role as head of mission at the British High Commission.
Baugh succeeds Neil Wigan, who left the country in August 2025 to assume a senior role at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London.
The diplomat brings with him extensive experience, having previously served as Director of the FCDO’s Migration and Conflict Directorate. He is also no stranger to Kenya, having lived in the country between 2010 and 2013 while serving as British Ambassador to Somalia.
Speaking upon his arrival, Baugh expressed enthusiasm about returning to the country.
“I am absolutely delighted to be back in Kenya, having lived here with my family while serving as British Ambassador to Somalia from 2010 to 2013,” he said.
He added: “I look forward to rediscovering this amazing country and getting reacquainted with her people who make this one of the most dynamic countries anywhere in the world.”
Baugh said he is keen to strengthen cooperation between Kenya and the UK across key sectors, including infrastructure development, innovation and investment.
“I am excited to build on the breadth of our cooperation on the issues that matter to the UK and Kenya,” he said, citing investments in projects such as Nairobi Railway City and support for innovative start-ups.
The envoy also underscored the importance of the long-standing relationship between the two countries.
“Kenya and the UK enjoy a vital strategic partnership, and it is an honour to serve as British High Commissioner to help our relationship go from strength to strength, delivering real results for Kenyan and British people; going far, together,” he said.
As High Commissioner, Baugh will focus on implementing the Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership signed in 2025 by President William Ruto and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
The agreement outlines plans to double trade, boost investment, promote green growth, enhance climate resilience and strengthen regional security cooperation. It also seeks to deepen collaboration in science, technology and innovation.
The partnership has already recorded progress, with bilateral trade surpassing GBP 2 billion for the first time in November 2025, highlighting growing economic ties between the two nations.
