By Joshua Otieno | May 11, 2026
NAIROBI, KENYA — President William Ruto and United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres today officially broke ground on a $340 million (Sh43.8 billion) expansion of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, a landmark project set to transform Nairobi into the third-largest United Nations hub globally.
The ambitious upgrade, described as the largest UN infrastructure investment in Africa to date, will expand the Gigiri complex beyond the scale of Vienna, leaving only New York and Geneva ahead in terms of size and capacity.
The new development will include a modern 1,600-seat Assembly Hall and increase the number of conference and meeting rooms from 14 to 30. Delegate hosting capacity is also expected to rise dramatically from 2,000 to more than 9,000 participants.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, President Ruto said the expansion firmly positions Nairobi as a key global diplomatic and environmental centre.
“This is not just a building; it is a statement of confidence in Kenya and Africa’s role in global governance,” President Ruto stated.
The Head of State further announced that the Kenyan government will invest an additional $1.1 billion (Sh143 billion) in supporting infrastructure around the Gigiri diplomatic district to complement the UN project.
The planned infrastructure upgrades include expanded road networks, modernization of UN Avenue, deployment of intelligent traffic and security systems, and regeneration of Nairobi’s rivers under the Nairobi Rivers Basin Ecosystem Programme (NaBREP).
Under the rivers restoration initiative, the government plans to construct 54 kilometres of trunk sewer lines, rehabilitate riverbanks, develop pedestrian walkways and cycle lanes, and upgrade the Kariobangi Wastewater Treatment Plant to process up to 310 million litres daily.
President Ruto also revealed plans to amend the Privileges and Immunities Act to allow retiring UN staff to settle more easily in Kenya, a move expected to stimulate the local economy through long-term investment and residency.
Secretary-General Guterres praised the project for its environmental sustainability and climate-conscious design.
He noted that the new UN facilities will be powered by onsite solar energy and are expected to achieve zero net emissions by 2029.
The expanded complex will additionally host new global headquarters for agencies including UNICEF, UNFPA, and UN Women, further cementing Nairobi’s role as a leading international diplomatic and development hub.
Construction is expected to take approximately three years and is projected to create significant opportunities within Kenya’s construction, hospitality, and service sectors.
To support the anticipated growth in international activity, the government is also modernizing the Bomas of Kenya convention complex and constructing approximately 50,000 social housing units near the project area.
Officials say the broader plan aims to transform Nairobi into a world-class global conferencing and diplomatic capital with improved connectivity, sustainability, and liveability.
