The United Nations has started the construction of a KSh44 billion ($340 million) green office complex in Nairobi, effectively expanding its existing headquarters as the agency signals a diplomatic shift towards serving populations in Africa.

Approved by member countries, the new office complex, which is projected to achieve full energy neutrality by 2029, is poised to turn Nairobi into one of the most outstanding offices of the global body.

"The approval by the UN General Assembly of the Conference Facilities Project demonstrates the collective resolve of member states to strengthen the UN Office in Nairobi. This transformative project will modernize critical infrastructure and improve facilities," stated President William Ruto during the groundbreaking ceremony on Monday.

UN's investment will see the current office complex in Gigiri undergo massive transformation including the replacement of aging office buildings dating back to the 1970s with modern, climate-resilient and fully accessible facilities.

This is part of the New York based agency's bold plan to cut operational costs in the long term while also improving efficiency and supporting the accommodation of rising staff numbers.

In an update, the UN said Nairobi's investment will see $66.2 million go into the construction of new modern, permanent, and climate-resilient office blocks. 

Another $265.7 million will be used in upgrading the existing conferencing facilities with a view to increasing the number of meeting rooms from 14 to 30, and seating capacity from 2,000 to 9,000 delegates, including a 1,600-seat Assembly Hall.

Nairobi third biggest hub globally

Nairobi's investment is poised to position the agency's Kenya office as the third largest UN global hub after New York and Geneva, the fourth being Vienna. 

In addition, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has invested ($11.2 million) in new office blocks at UNON. 

The organization lauded this move saying it is making one of its largest-ever infrastructure investments in Africa since its inception besides peacekeeping.

Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony in Gigiri, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said the new-look Nairobi office are theorganization's first net-zero UN buildings, powered by on-site solar energy.

Kenya’s role in growing UN foot-print

The UN’s Nairobi office sits on 140 acres of land donated by the Government of Kenya, the largest land contribution made by any host country to the Organization.

Today, Nairobi hosts one of the most complex UN ecosystems globally, supporting operations across more than 160 countries and serving as a hub for climate action, development, and humanitarian coordination.

UN Under-Secretary-General and Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, Mrs Zainab Hawa Bangura, said: “This is a defining moment for the United Nations in Africa. This investment aligns our presence with where global challenges — and solutions — are increasingly concentrated. Nairobi is not only a host city; it is a strategic centre for delivering the United Nations’ work in the 21st century.”

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