New British High Commissioner Matt Baugh arrives in Nairobi

Baugh succeeds Neil Wigan, who left the post in August 2025 to assume a senior position at the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) in London.

Prior to his new appointment, Baugh served as Director of the FCDO’s Migration and Conflict Directorate. He also previously worked in the region as British Ambassador to Somalia between 2010 and 2013.

In a statement by the British High Commission Nairobi on Tuesday, Baugh expressed enthusiasm about returning to Kenya, where he had earlier lived with his family, and said he looked forward to strengthening ties between the two countries.

"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. 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," he stated. 

"I am excited to build on the breadth of our cooperation on the issues that matter to the UK and Kenya - from UK investments in key infrastructure projects like Nairobi Railway City, to supporting innovative start-ups tackling the biggest challenges of the day, to fostering the deep connections between the people of our two great countries."

According to Baugh, his tenure would focus on deepening cooperation in key areas including infrastructure investment, innovation, and people-to-people connections.

Baugh takes office at a time when Kenya and the United Kingdom are implementing a strategic partnership signed in 2025 by President William Ruto and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

The agreement outlines plans to expand trade and investment, promote green growth, enhance climate resilience, and strengthen collaboration in science, technology, and security.

British High Commission's official figures revealed that the bilateral trade between the two countries surpassed Ksh.340 billion in November 2025, marking a milestone in economic relations.

Baugh's tenure seeks to build on this momentum and support initiatives that deliver tangible benefits for both Kenyan and British citizens.