Europe UK (Commonwealth Union) – Neil Wigan, the British High Commissioner to Kenya, embarked on a significant journey to Bomet, Kericho, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu, and Nandi counties this month, with the aim of enhancing the already robust partnership between the UK and the region.
The United Kingdom and the Rift Valley, which encompasses Western Kenya, are collaborating closely to bring about mutual benefits for both the people of the UK and those residing in the region. This partnership builds upon deep-rooted cultural, economic, and security connections.
During his visit, the High Commissioner engaged with the Governors of Bomet and Kericho, namely Prof. Hillary Barchok and Dr. Erick Mutai. In these discussions, he gained insights into the challenges faced by these communities. Moreover, they explored opportunities to further strengthen partnerships with these counties, with a particular focus on trade and investment.
High Commissioner Wigan also held discussions with Governor Wisley Rotich of Elgeyo Marakwet, where they assessed the impact of the UK’s Sustainable Urban Economic Development (SUED) program. This five-year initiative, with a funding commitment of nearly 13 billion KES (£70 million), is dedicated to identifying critical investment prospects across 12 Kenyan counties to stimulate economic growth and job creation.
In Nandi County, the High Commissioner met with the County Governor and Chair of the North Rift Economic Block (NOREB), H.E. Stephen Sang. Their dialogue centered on the UK’s support for NOREB, which is contributing to economic growth in the region. Additionally, they explored ways to bolster cultural ties between the British and Kenyan communities, and the High Commissioner learned about the remarkable progress being made in digitizing service provision. During his visit to the region, the High Commissioner also had the opportunity to engage with representatives from the Borowo, Kipsigis, Koitalel, and Talai clans, as well as members of the Nandi Council of Elders. In these interactions, he listened attentively to the firsthand accounts of these communities’ experiences during the period of British rule and pledged to maintain an ongoing, candid dialogue.
