Kenya is set to strengthen its position as a key hub for United Nations operations in Africa with the establishment of three new UN global offices in Nairobi by the end of 2025.
The offices will host the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality & the Empowerment of Women (UN Women). This move builds on Nairobi’s existing role as the headquarters for the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-HABITAT.
The decision, announced during a consultative meeting at the office of Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, underscores Kenya’s strategic importance as a regional logistic and financial hub. Mudavadi emphasized Kenya’s commitment to creating a conducive environment for UN operations, leveraging the country’s location to support multilateral diplomacy and advance global priorities.
“Kenya is looking forward to the UN’s support to make Nairobi a very critical hub for UN operations,” he stated.
The initiative aligns with the UN’s broader goals of fostering sustainable development and addressing global challenges. Zainab Bangura, Director-General of the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON), highlighted Nairobi as the fastest-growing UN duty station, with 86 offices currently operating in Kenya.
She noted that the country’s progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is being supported by UN programs in healthcare, education, gender equality, and climate action.
Philemon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly, praised Kenya’s collaboration with the UN, expressing optimism about the future of the partnership.
“The positive attitude and efforts of the Kenyan government are great, and I foresee a great future with miracles happening through this partnership,” he said.
The UN also plans to invest $340 million in infrastructure upgrades in Nairobi, including the construction of a 9,000-seat Assembly Hall, the first to be built since 1949.
The project aims to position Nairobi on par with UN hubs like Geneva and New York, enabling Kenya to potentially host a UN General Assembly in the future.
