As the UN continues to decentralise, Kenya is emerging as its next strategic hub. Backed by a $340 million investment in UNON and growing recognition of Africa’s central role in aid and development, Nairobi is fast becoming the new Geneva of the global south. For CTG and our partners, this shift presents new opportunities and outlines the strategic value that countries like Kenya offer in shaping more effective and locally informed responses in the region.
We caught up with Reeya Patel, CTG’s Business Development Manager stationed in Nairobi, to tell us more about the move and how it could impact the humanitarian and aid landscape.
Secretary-General António Guterres, holds a press conference at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, Kenya.
Why Nairobi, and why now?
In 2023, the UN approved a $340 million upgrade to the UN Office at Nairobi’s (UNON’s) conference centre. The Gigiri Master Plan incorporates sustainability, accessibility and advanced conferencing technologies that can make UNON a diplomatic hub to rival New York and Geneva’s headquarters.
However, Secretary General Guterres gives Nairobi as an example of how the broader UN@80 initiative – a system-wide push to strengthen the UN system – can be achieved. UN@80 aims to boost efficiency, review how mandates are implemented, and drive structural change to survive current funding shortfalls and prepare the UN for the challenges of the future.
The first track of reform focuses on finding efficiencies, which includes optimising the UN’s global footprint by relocating some functions to lower-cost duty stations. In a leaked internal UN memo, Nairobi emerged as a frontrunner for potential relocation.
Compared to current UN HQ cities – which are each ranked in the top 25 costliest cities in the world – Nairobi is a cost-effective alternative with manyfold benefits. Apart from its affordability (Nairobi ranked at 201 on the Cost-of-Living Index), the city has a central geographical location that is closer to key field locations. It is also currently the only global south city with existing UN headquarters.
Creating a hub here will allow the UN to streamline operations, while signalling a growing recognition of Africa’s central role in shaping the future of humanitarian aid and development.
UN Nairobi: a new hub for diplomacy in Africa
“Kenya has long played a key role as a regional hub for diplomacy and innovation. This move acknowledges the leadership, capacity, and strategic value that countries like Kenya offer in shaping more effective and locally informed responses in the region,” says Patel.
UNON already provides administrative, security, and logistical support to other UN entities based in Kenya, including country and regional offices. It also hosts the global headquarters of two major UN programmes: the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).
Credit: United Nations Office at Nairobi. Facility upgrades include the addition of a new 1,600-capacity Assembly Hall, shown here in a design render.
With construction set to start during the latter half of 2025, UNON is on track to become a world-class conference centre by 2030 – one that will not only meet the UN’s current and future conferencing needs, but also enable key multilateral actions for the next 25 to 30 years. When completed, the updated facility will stand on par with the iconic UN offices in New York, Geneva, and Vienna.
UN Nairobi driving decentralisation and localisation
The move towards Nairobi reflects a growing realisation within global institutions like the UN: proximity to the field builds better policies, stronger programmes, and more equitable partnerships. It aligns with CTG’s own long-held belief that local presence, local talent, and local insight are key to sustainable impact.
To Patel, the move signals a recognition of the importance of bringing global decision-making closer to the regions most affected by the challenges we are working to address. “For CTG,” she says, “this expansion strengthens our ability to collaborate meaningfully with our partners and contribute to the conversations shaping the future of humanitarian response in Africa.”
Credit: United Nations Office at Nairobi. Kenya has served as the only UN headquarters in the Global South since 1996.
Need assistance in Nairobi?
According to Business Daily, expansion is expected to bring at least 800 new UN staff to Nairobi, with ripple effects that could create thousands of additional job opportunities in the city. It’s a significant moment for professionals in the humanitarian, development, peacebuilding, and environmental sectors, and particularly for African talent looking to build or elevate global careers.
CTG is primed to help clients in Nairobi to participate in this new era of UN localisation. With deep field experience, extensive talent networks and trusted HR services, we can help onboard staff and ensure they are ready to forge the future of humanitarian aid and development. A team of key CTG personnel, including our Chief Operating Officer, John Sampson, are working out of Kenya to ensure we stay close to developments and client needs.
“Being based in Nairobi means we are not just supporting operations, we are part of the broader dialogue, advocating for frontline voices and ensuring that practical field realities inform strategic decision-making,” explains Patel.
CTG looks forward to the opportunities UNON’s expansion will bring to the vibrant city of Nairobi. Learn more about how we can help staff and support operations in Africa here.