The United Nations has announced plans to relocate its headquarters from New York to Nairobi, Kenya, by 2026, to modify international relations.
Unveiled by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, the relocation marks a significant shift in the organisation’s operational strategy, aiming to decentralise its presence and bring decision-making closer to the Global South, particularly Africa, where many of its programmes are focused.
Nairobi together with Geneva and Vienna pose as one of the UN’s primary global hubs, cementing its status as a leading centre for international cooperation. The Kenyan capital already hosts the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), alongside the global headquarters of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat. By 2026, Nairobi will also house the headquarters of UNICEF, UNFPA, and UN Women, with infrastructure upgrades at the Gigiri complex already underway to accommodate the transition.
Kenya’s Prime Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, hailed the decision as a transformative opportunity for the nation and the continent. “This move underscores Nairobi’s growing stature as a diplomatic and developmental powerhouse,” he said during a press briefing in February 2025. The relocation is expected to bring over 2,000 UN staff to Nairobi, boosting the local economy through job creation, increased demand for housing, and growth in sectors like hospitality and education.
The decision is driven by both strategic and economic considerations. Nairobi’s selection reflects its political stability, modern infrastructure, and role as East Africa’s financial and diplomatic hub, which accounts for over 40% of the region’s GDP. The UN’s presence in Nairobi has grown significantly since 1973, when UNEP established the first UN headquarters in the Global South. Today, the Gigiri complex hosts 86 UN offices and over 6,500 staff, making it the fastest-growing UN duty station globally.
“This is a chance to decolonise global governance,” noted Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General of UNON. “By moving to Nairobi, the UN is prioritising proximity to the communities it serves, ensuring Africa’s voice is central to global decision-making.” The move is also seen as a cost-saving measure, with Nairobi offering lower operational costs compared to New York, where the UN’s current headquarters has been based since 1952.
Earlier this year, UN Secretary-General António Guterres announced plans to move at least three agency headquarters. They include the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the UN Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women), to Nairobi by the end of 2026. These new additions will join the existing UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat, elevating Nairobi to one of only four cities worldwide to host multiple UN headquarters, alongside New York, Geneva, and Vienna.
The relocation includes a $340 million investment to modernise Nairobi’s UN complex, featuring a state-of-the-art 9,000-seat Assembly Hall and 30 new conference rooms. These upgrades will enable Nairobi to host major events, including potential UN General Assembly sessions, a milestone not seen outside New York since 1949. Local businesses are already preparing for the economic ripple effects, with real estate developers reporting increased demand for high-end housing in areas like Gigiri, Runda, and Muthaiga.
Despite these challenges, the relocation is widely viewed as a vote of confidence in Kenya’s stability and potential. Posts on X reflect growing enthusiasm, with many Kenyans celebrating Nairobi’s emergence as a global city. The move also positions Africa as a key player in shaping the UN’s future, particularly as it navigates geopolitical tensions and funding constraints.
As Nairobi prepares to welcome the UN’s headquarters, the city stands on the cusp of a new era, ready to amplify Africa’s voice on the world stage while fostering economic and diplomatic opportunities for the continent.
Kenyans have expressed a mix of excitement and caution. “This is a proud moment for our country,” said Mercy Wanjiru, a Nairobi-based entrepreneur. “But we must ensure the benefits reach ordinary citizens, not just the elite.” Concerns have been raised about potential rises in rent and living costs, with some calling for inclusive urban planning to mitigate housing inequality.
