In his announcement, he reflected on his two-year tenure, describing it as a rewarding period for both nations.

“I am extremely sorry to be leaving Kenya after a whirlwind two years. The Kenya-UK partnership has gone from strength to strength – whether in trade, investment, technology, innovation or cultural links, benefitting both countries and peoples,” he stated.

He also pointed to key collaborations forged during his tenure, such as the signing of the new Kenya-UK Strategic Partnership, the training of Kenyan marines by the UK, and major infrastructure projects like the Nairobi Railway City.

Wigan said he valued the chance to witness Kenya’s potential firsthand, from attending a Maasai elders’ gathering to seeing how UK-backed initiatives are empowering women-led businesses in Wajir.

“From the tea plantations of Bomet County to the Silicon Savannah, I’ve no doubt that Kenya’s future is bright. I have visited most of Kenya’s counties – I am sorry to not have visited them all,” Wigan stated.

“Kenya and the UK are going far together, and it has been incredibly rewarding to be part of that journey.  Asanteni sana na kwaherini,” he concluded, bidding farewell to Kenyans.

On April 19, 2023, the United Kingdom Government, in a statement, announced that it selected Wigan OBE as a replacement for Jane Marriott, whose term ended at the end of July 2023.

Marriott, on her part, was transferred to another Diplomatic Service appointment after serving a term of four years.

She was appointed to Kenya in 2019 and took over from Nic Hailey, becoming the first woman to be named a High Commissioner to Kenya.

Wigan, before his now previous role, has held multiple roles, including ambassadorial roles in Somalia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and served the same role in Tel Aviv, Israel.