UK High Commissioner Neil Wigan makes first Rift Valley region visit

British High Commissioner to Kenya Neil Wigan made his first visit to the Rift Valley region on Tuesday and Wednesday to advance the UK's partnership with the region.

Wigan, who succeeded Jane Mariott in July, visited Bomet, Kericho, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu and Nandi counties, a statement from his office said.

The UK is working with the Rift Valley and Western Kenya regions to deliver mutual benefits in cultural, economic and security ties. 

The High Commissioner met governors Hillary Barchok and Erick Mutai of Bomet and Kericho respectively, where they discussed challenges facing the communities, including sexual and gender-based.

They discussed opportunities to further partnership with the counties, particularly in relation to trade and investment. 

With Elgeyo Marakwet governor Wisley Rotich, Wigan talked about the impact of the UK’s Sustainable Urban Economic Development (SUED) programme.

The five-year, almost Ksh.13 billion (£70 million) programme is aimed at identifying vital investment opportunities in 12 Kenyan counties to increase economic growth and create jobs.

In Nandi County, meanwhile, the High Commissioner met Governor Stephen Sang, who also chairs the North Rift Economic Block (NOREB).

According to the statement, the High Commissioner also met representatives of the Borowo, Kipsigis, Koitalel and Talai clans, as well as the Nandi Council of Elders.

“He heard first-hand the experiences of these communities under British rule and agreed to continue an open and honest dialogue,” it read.

Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet are among 12 counties that have benefitted from the UK’s Sustainable Urban Economic Development (SUED) programme.

In January this year, the UK announced a Ksh.2.4 billion SUED-backed investment deal for the first-ever potato processing factory in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

The facility is expected to create more than 100 jobs in its first year of operation and reduce post-harvest losses.