Celebrating Professor Veronica Moraa Pickering OBE

17 June 2026

Professor Veronica Moraa Pickering OBE

It is with immense pride and great joy that I share exceptional news with you. Professor Veronica Moraa Pickering, a valued member of our Committee, has been appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in His Majesty The King's Birthday Honours.

This distinguished honour is a fitting tribute to Veronica's outstanding record of public service, visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to community development in both the United Kingdom and internationally.

Many of you will know Veronica through her active involvement with the Kenya Society UK and her steadfast support for our mission of promoting friendship, understanding and collaboration between Kenya and the United Kingdom. She embodies the very values our Society seeks to champion.

Beyond her contribution to the Society, Veronica has built a distinguished career marked by a series of historic firsts.

She was the first Kenyan appointed by His Majesty King Charles III as High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire and subsequently became the first Kenyan and first woman to serve as Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire, the King's representative in the county. She also became the first woman of colour in the United Kingdom to be appointed Honorary Air Commodore of the Royal Air Force's 504 Squadron – a remarkable milestone that speaks to both her trailblazing spirit and her exceptional leadership.

A former United Nations International Child Protection Consultant, Visiting Professor, Executive Coach, Trustee and social entrepreneur, Veronica has devoted much of her life to supporting vulnerable communities, championing diversity and inclusion, and inspiring future generations of leaders. In recognition of her service to Kenya, she was awarded the Moran of the Order of the Burning Spear (MBS) by the President of the Republic of Kenya – further testament to the breadth and impact of her work.

Those who know Veronica will recognise that this honour reflects not only her extraordinary achievements, but also her humility, generosity of spirit and steadfast commitment to uplifting others.

Her appointment as OBE is a source of immense pride not only for the Kenya Society UK, but also for the wider Kenyan diaspora and all those who value service, leadership and excellence. Her story serves as a powerful reminder of the profound contribution that Kenyans continue to make on the global stage.

As Chairman, I have had the privilege of working closely with Veronica and witnessing first-hand her generosity of spirit, wisdom and dedication to service. Many of you will recall her inspiring address as Keynote speaker at our 33rd Annual Lunch. We are truly fortunate to count her among our Committee and immensely proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition of her many accomplishments.

On behalf of the Committee and the entire membership, please join me in congratulating Professor Pickering on this outstanding achievement and in wishing her continued success in all that she does.