Story by Meresia Aloo
The Kenyan government has undertaken a fresh shake-up of ambassadorial roles across several countries, appointing new envoys while redeploying others to different stations.
The changes affect missions in both Africa and the West, including Tanzania, Denmark, Russia, the United States, Austria and the United Kingdom. According to the government, the reshuffle aims to optimise performance and enhance service delivery within Kenya’s diplomatic missions, in line with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
BETA, implemented through the Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP IV), runs from 2023 to 2027 and focuses on economic recovery, inclusive growth and improving livelihoods, particularly for low-income earners.
In the United Kingdom, where the international headquarters of African Leadership Magazine is based, particular attention has been drawn to the changes that saw former ambassador Catherine Karemu redeployed to Arusha, Tanzania, and Maurice Makoloo appointed as Kenya’s new High Commissioner in London, moving from Vienna, Austria.
Now serving as the 16th High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Makoloo presented his Letters of Credence to King Charles III earlier this year at St James’s Palace, signalling continued strong ties between the two nations.
Kenya’s Ambassador to The United Kingdom on the carriage Ahead of presentation of his papers of Credence to King Charles III
In his Vin d’Honneur address, he emphasised the longstanding bilateral relationship anchored on trade, security and cultural exchange, describing the occasion as a humbling reflection of the enduring partnership between Kenya and the UK.
Makoloo said his tenure will focus on strengthening political engagement, expanding trade and investment, and deepening people-to-people and technological collaboration.
He brings extensive experience in diplomacy, international development, governance and law, having previously served as Kenya’s ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the United Nations offices in Vienna, with additional accreditation to several Central and Eastern European countries. He has also held senior roles at Habitat for Humanity International.
Within just three months in office, Makoloo has engaged in a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening Kenya–UK relations. These include high-level meetings with UK government officials and engagements with the Welsh Government in Cardiff, bringing together business leaders from the British Chamber of Commerce Kenya and representatives from sectors such as health, education, agriculture, climate action and disability inclusion.
The discussions have opened opportunities for a potential Welsh trade mission to Kenya, aimed at expanding investment and showcasing business prospects, while promoting inclusive socio-economic development for groups such as women, youth and persons with disabilities.
Ambassador Makoloo alongside Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Hon Musalia W Mudavadi during the official dedication of the Newly acquired Kenya’s High Commison.
On trade, the High Commissioner has already overseen the export of Kenya’s first consignment of apple mangoes to the UK, a move stakeholders say is boosting productivity, strengthening value chains and increasing incomes for small-scale farmers.
Data from Kenya’s Kilimo STAT and UK trade statistics show that total trade in goods and services between the two countries reached £2.1 billion in the four quarters to Q3 2025, marking a 9.2 percent increase from the previous year. Kenya ranked as the UK’s 71st-largest trading partner during this period.
Makoloo has also participated in multilateral engagements, including the launch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association Strategic Plan 2026–2029 in London, which focuses on strengthening parliamentary democracy and governance across member states.
His engagements came ahead of the visit by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi, who attended the 26th Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting in London. During the visit, Mudavadi also officially dedicated Kenya’s newly acquired High Commission building.
The acquisition marks a historic milestone, ending more than six decades of operating from rented premises, and reflects Kenya’s commitment to strengthening its diplomatic presence in the United Kingdom while improving efficiency and long-term sustainability.
