Kenya Commits Sh140 Billion of Public Funds as UNON Nairobi Expansion Receives Sh44 Billion from UN

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the Kenyan government has allocated Sh140 billion to the United Nations Office in Nairobi expansion project, which also receives Sh44 billion from the United Nations itself. He spoke after hosting Annalena Baerbock, President of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, at the Harambee Annex in Nairobi on June 10, 2026.

1 billion of domestic resources into matching infrastructure.

The spending has upgraded road networks, security frameworks, and sustainable utility systems around the Gigiri diplomatic enclave and aligns the campus with global net-zero climate goals. Kenya currently hosts the headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme and UN-Habitat in Nairobi.

Through the expansion, the city is set to host additional agencies including UNICEF, UNFPA and UN Women.

Kindiki said Nairobi offers the global community a highly competitive, low-cost duty station backed by aggressive public investment. He stated that elevating UNON's operational and diplomatic status to achieve parity with UN headquarters in the Global North will fulfill the promise of equitable geographic representation. Baerbock commended Kenya for its continued support to the United Nations.

She said the expansion of the UN's only headquarters in the Global South demonstrates confidence in Kenya and Africa's growing role in international affairs. "The coming of more agencies to Nairobi proves the attractiveness of Nairobi and Kenya, and the UN is looking forward to increasing this global partnership," she said.

Kindiki also noted that Kenya continues to serve as a vital anchor for regional stability amid a fragile global security landscape marked by a resurgence of militarization and the erosion of traditional disarmament frameworks.