Kenya is set to enhance its role as a pivotal United Nations (UN) hub with the establishment of three new global offices by the end of next year. These offices will house programs for the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women). This development aims to bolster Nairobi’s position in UN operations.
In a consultative meeting at Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s office, discussions highlighted Kenya’s strategic advantage as a regional logistics and financial center, positioning it to support the UN’s multilateral diplomacy efforts effectively. Mudavadi emphasized Kenya’s commitment to collaborating closely with the UN to transform Nairobi into a critical hub for the organization’s operations, both regionally and globally.
This initiative will build upon the existing UN presence in Nairobi, which already hosts the global headquarters for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). The government is actively engaging with various stakeholders to ensure a conducive environment and appropriate legal frameworks are in place to facilitate this expansion.
During the meeting, Philemon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, expressed gratitude for Kenya’s support, noting the strong collaboration between the UN and the Kenyan government. Zainab Bangura, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), acknowledged Kenya’s instrumental role in the growth of UN operations, highlighting that the Nairobi duty station is the fastest-growing within the UN system. Currently, Nairobi hosts 86 UN offices, with 73 located in the Gigiri area, accommodating approximately 6,500 staff members and their families.
Looking ahead, plans are underway to invest $340 million (approximately Ksh.44 billion) in upgrading Nairobi’s UN infrastructure. This investment includes constructing a new assembly hall with a 9,000-seat capacity and 30 conference meeting rooms, aligning Nairobi’s facilities with those in New York and Geneva. Upon completion, Kenya will be equipped to host a UN General Assembly, further solidifying its status as a central player in international affairs.
This expansion not only reaffirms Kenya’s leadership in regional and global matters but also underscores the nation’s commitment to advancing the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. By fostering a robust partnership with the UN, Kenya aims to drive economic growth, enhance the well-being of its citizens, and contribute positively to regional and global development.
