The United Kingdom has appointed Matt Baugh as its new High Commissioner to Kenya, replacing Neil Wigan, who left Nairobi in August 2025 for a senior role in London.
Baugh is expected to arrive in Nairobi within the month and will take over from acting head Dr Ed Barnett.
A career diplomat, Baugh brings extensive experience from postings across Africa and Europe. He served as the UK’s ambassador to Somalia from 2010 to 2013 and later represented Britain on the EU Political and Security Committee in Brussels. In recent years, he has held senior roles covering migration, conflict, and Euro-Atlantic security.
His background also includes leading crisis response teams in Kosovo and Afghanistan, as well as overseeing global emergency programmes. He joined public service through the DFID Fast Stream in the late 1990s.
Ahead of his posting, Baugh undertook Swahili training, signalling early efforts to integrate into the local environment.
Wigan, who served for two years, leaves behind a strengthened Kenya–UK partnership. During his tenure, the two countries expanded cooperation in trade, investment, technology, and security. Highlights included the visit by King Charles III and the signing of the Kenya–UK Strategic Partnership.
As Baugh takes up the role, attention turns to how he will build on these gains and guide relations between Nairobi and London at a time when both countries are keen to deepen ties.
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