The United Nations has announced that Nairobi, Kenya, will host the new global headquarters for UNICEF, UNFPA, and UN Women by the end of 2026. This move will make Nairobi one of only four cities globally, alongside New York, Geneva and Vienna, to host multiple UN headquarters.
The decision is part of the UN@80 reform initiative aimed at decentralizing operations and bringing services closer to regions in need. Nairobi already hosts the global offices of UNEP and UN-Habitat in Gigiri, where a $340 million upgrade is underway to expand facilities, including a new 9,000-seat Assembly Hall and modern conference rooms.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’oei, confirmed that preparations are already underway to accommodate the new agencies. A $340 million infrastructure upgrade is in progress at the UN complex in Gigiri, including the construction of a modern Assembly Hall with a seating capacity of 9,000 and 30 state-of-the-art conference rooms.
The decision is part of the UN@80 reform initiative aimed at decentralizing operations and bringing services closer to regions in need. Nairobi already hosts the global offices of UNEP and UN-Habitat in Gigiri, where a $340 million upgrade is underway to expand facilities, including a new 9,000-seat Assembly Hall and modern conference rooms.
Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary, Korir Sing’oei, confirmed that preparations are already underway to accommodate the new agencies. A $340 million infrastructure upgrade is in progress at the UN complex in Gigiri, including the construction of a modern Assembly Hall with a seating capacity of 9,000 and 30 state-of-the-art conference rooms.
The relocation is expected to bring over 800 new UN staff to the city, boosting Kenya’s economy and further establishing Nairobi as a key international hub. While the move has sparked concerns over housing and infrastructure strain, Kenyan leaders have hailed it as a major milestone in the country’s diplomatic growth and influence on global development.
