Kenya is preparing to welcome three additional United Nations (UN) global offices by the conclusion of next year, further establishing Nairobi as a significant center for UN activities. The upcoming offices will accommodate 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).
In a recent meeting with Philemon Yang, the President of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi stressed Kenya’s critical role in promoting multilateral diplomacy. Mudavadi emphasized the nation’s strategic location in East Africa and its increasing recognition as a major logistical and financial hub, making it well-suited for these important UN initiatives.
“We are collaborating closely with the UN to establish Nairobi as a vital center for its operations, both locally and globally,” Mudavadi stated at the Railways HQ office.
Kenya has historically been essential to UN operations, with Nairobi already hosting two significant global offices: the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-HABITAT. The addition of UNICEF, UNFPA, and UN Women will further bolster Kenya’s engagement in global efforts, particularly in child welfare, population matters, and gender equality.
Mudavadi further mentioned that the Kenyan government is actively collaborating with various partners to create a favorable environment for these new offices, which includes implementing essential legal frameworks.
Yang, who traveled to Nairobi for the consultative meeting, commended Kenya’s initiatives to support UN activities. “The partnership between Kenya and the United Nations is outstanding, and I believe this collaboration will yield greater outcomes in the future,” Yang commented.
These new offices highlight Kenya’s increasing influence in both regional and global matters. Since its UN membership in 1963, Kenya has played a crucial role in assisting the UN’s endeavors in East and Central Africa. Mudavadi also pointed out that Kenya’s rising significance has drawn interest from other international organizations looking to establish a foothold in Nairobi.
In light of these developments, the Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) disclosed plans to elevate Kenya’s status within the UN framework. A proposal will be submitted at the 2030 UN General Assembly to position Nairobi alongside Geneva and New York, which are the UN’s other principal operational hubs.
An investment of $340 million is also planned for the construction of a new UN Assembly Hall in Nairobi, featuring a venue for 9,000 attendees and 30 conference rooms, positioning Nairobi as a potential future location for UN General Assemblies.
These investments demonstrate Kenya’s dedication to promoting international cooperation and reinforcing its role in global affairs. With these new offices, Nairobi is set to further amplify its influence and make significant contributions to the UN’s mission across the globe.
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