Nairobi to host three new UN global offices by 2025
Currently, Nairobi hosts 86 UN offices, 73 of which are housed within the UNON complex, supporting a workforce of 20,000 from 165 countries.
Nairobi is set to strengthen its position as a key global diplomatic hub with the expansion of the United Nations presence, marking a significant milestone for Kenya.
By mid-2025, three major UN agencies, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), and the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN WOMEN) will relocate their operations from New York to Nairobi, bringing 800 additional staff.
The United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) has seen continuous growth since its establishment in 1996.
Currently, Nairobi hosts 86 UN offices, 73 of which are housed within the UNON complex, supporting a workforce of 20,000 from 165 countries.
The city remains the only UN headquarters in the Global South, reinforcing its role in international diplomacy.
Speaking during a high-level consultative meeting, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi emphasised the importance of Kenya's strategic positioning in hosting global operations.
"We are working very closely, and Kenya is looking forward to the UN's support with a commitment to make Nairobi a very critical hub for the UN's operations both in the country, regionally, and across the globe," said Mudavadi.
His remarks were echoed by Philemon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, who lauded Kenya's dedication to the UN's mission.
"I want to thank the government of Kenya for receiving the United Nations here in Nairobi. I have heard and personally seen many things happening from both sides, and the collaboration and partnership on the Kenyan side is tremendous," he said.
Kenya has played a crucial role in facilitating the growth of UNON. The government has invested $1 billion ( Sh129.25 billion) in infrastructure development, including road networks, water and sanitation facilities, high-speed internet connectivity, and uninterrupted power supply to UNON and surrounding areas.
High-level international meetings
These efforts are aimed at enhancing Nairobi's capacity to host high-level international meetings, including the possibility of holding a future UN General Assembly session.
Zainab Bangura, Director-General of UNON, highlighted the rapid expansion of UN operations in Nairobi.
"The Nairobi duty station is the fastest-growing duty station in the United Nations, and it is the only one progressively recording a steady growth. As we speak, we have 86 UN offices in Kenya and 73 in Gigiri. When UNEP was set up, we had only 300 staff, now we are boasting of 6,500 staff, 11,000 families, and dependents."
Further investment is planned, with $340 million earmarked for upgrading UNON infrastructure.
A key project includes the construction of a 9,000-seat assembly hall, making Nairobi a viable venue for future UN General Assemblies.
"We are going to have 30 conference meeting rooms, bringing us at par with New York and Geneva," Bangura explained.
Kenya's commitment to providing a conducive environment for international organisations has drawn interest beyond the UN.
According to Mudavadi, the country has received multiple requests from international agencies and NGOs looking to establish their regional centres in Nairobi.
"Apart from the UN, we are seeing other entities wanting to come to Kenya. We are already receiving a fairly rapid line of requests from other international agencies, including non-governmental bodies, that would want to relocate and have their centres come to Nairobi," he said.
Since gaining independence and joining the UN in 1963, Kenya has worked to position itself as a regional leader in multilateral diplomacy.
The country's efforts are reflected in its active participation in global initiatives, including the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The UN's presence in Kenya has facilitated advancements in healthcare, education, gender equality, and climate action, further strengthening the country's global standing.
With Nairobi's growing prominence, UN officials have hinted at future discussions to elevate the city's status within the UN framework, placing it on equal footing with Geneva and New York.
This expansion signals not only the UN's trust in Kenya's capability but also an opportunity for the country to play an even greater role on the international stage.
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