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Friday, 26 June 2026
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Friday, 26 June 2026
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Kenyan press · Organization

United Nations Office at Nairobi

Also known as: UNON · United Nations Office in Nairobi

United Nations Office at Nairobi — major UN facility in Kenya's Gigiri diplomatic enclave undergoing Sh140 billion expansion project launched in 2026.

2026-04-272026-06-26
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In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. May 2026

  2. The Standard

    … While in Kenya, Guterres is also scheduled to join President Ruto in presiding over the groundbreaking and official launch of a major expansion project at the United Nations Office at Nairobi in Gigiri. …

    Why UN chief Antonio Guterres is in Nairobi

  3. The Standard

    … borrowing costs.Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale welcomes UN chief António Guterres at JKIA, Nairobi. [Courtesy, X/Duale] His remarks came as President William Ruto and the UN Secretary-General commissioned the USD 340 million expansion of the United Nations Office at Nairobi …

    Guterres demands global financial justice for Africa

  4. Citizen Digital

    … The project includes a major upgrade of the conference facilities at UNON, which will cost $265.6 million (nearly Ksh.34.3 billion) and an upgrade of office blocks to the tune of USD74.5million (nearly Ksh.9.6 billion). …

    President Ruto, UN SG Guterres to inaugurate Ksh.43.8B Nairobi expansion project

  5. Capital News

    … The Secretary-General will join President William Ruto on Monday, at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) for the groundbreaking of a major new conference facility and inauguration of modern office buildings, significantly expanding the UN’s operational footprint in Africa …

    $340 Million UN Nairobi Expansion Signals Global Shift Toward Africa, Says UNON Ahead of Guterres Kenya visit

  6. The Standard

    … UN Secretary-General António Guterres is expected in Kenya next week, where he will join President William Ruto on Monday, May 11, at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) for the groundbreaking of a new conference facility and the inauguration of modern office buildings. …

    Guterres to visit Kenya as UN invests Sh44bn in major Nairobi Hq expansion
  7. April 2026

  8. Capital News

    … Kenya’s position as host to major international organizations, including the United Nations Office at Nairobi, continues to elevate its profile as a key center for diplomacy, multilateral engagement, and international cooperation.

    Kenya to Host Inaugural Global Conference on Diplomatic Privileges and Immunities

  9. Capital News

    … The call comes as more than 1,000 delegates gather in Nairobi for the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026, running from April 27 to 29 at the United Nations Office at Nairobi, even as parallel negotiations continue in Geneva on the final elements of the pandemic agreement. …

    AHF pushes for binding global health equity rules as Nairobi summit opens amid Geneva negotiations

  10. Capital News

    … Speaking at the United Nations Office at Nairobi during a ministerial session convened under the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention through the MECA and SPARK-NCDs initiatives, Duale said the rising prevalence of these conditions is driven by factors beyond the hea …

    Duale Urges Coordinated African Response to Rising Non-Communicable Diseases, Mental Health Crisis
World & Region

Kenya urges shift from aid to mutual investment partnerships

The News

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi told the International Development Cooperation Conference in Nairobi that Global South countries should move away from traditional aid models toward partnerships based on mutual interests, investment, and local ownership, saying development cooperation should focus on expanding market access, technology transfer, and private investment rather than dependency on grants.

23 June 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 23 June

  1. Kenya urges shift from aid to mutual investment partnerships

    Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi told the International Development Cooperation Conference in Nairobi that Global South countries should move away from traditional aid models toward partnerships based on mutual interests, investment, and local ownership, saying development cooperation should focus on expanding market access, technology transfer, and private investment rather than dependency on grants.

    23 June 2026 · The Standard →

Monday 22 June

  1. Nairobi hosts global climate leaders discussing sustainable urban development

    Global leaders, scientists, policymakers and city officials meeting in Nairobi at the 2026 Innovate4Cities Conference have called for deeper collaboration between governments, researchers, businesses and communities to accelerate climate action and build sustainable cities amid rapid urbanization. UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach warned that Africa's cities are expanding at an unprecedented pace while millions lack adequate housing and basic urban services.

    22 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. Global leaders convene in Nairobi to advance sustainable cities

    Global leaders, scientists, policymakers and city officials meeting in Nairobi at the 2026 Innovate4Cities Conference have called for deeper collaboration between governments, researchers, businesses and communities to accelerate climate action and build sustainable cities. UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach warned that Africa's cities are expanding at an unprecedented pace while millions lack adequate housing and basic urban services.

    22 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Friday 12 June

  1. China calls for enhanced global dialogue to bridge geopolitical divides

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi called for enhanced mutual trust and deeper understanding through global dialogue to cross geopolitical divides, outlining a four-pronged strategy emphasizing mutual respect, equality, a people-oriented approach, and balancing traditional culture with modern innovation.

    12 June 2026 · The Standard →

Wednesday 10 June

  1. China showcases Dunhuang cultural heritage at UN Nairobi

    Performers from Gansu Province presented Dunhuang-inspired music, dance, and classical instrumentation at the United Nations Office in Nairobi for the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations commemoration, blending performance art with China's narrative of civilizational exchange and global cooperation.

    10 June 2026 · Capital News →

  2. China promotes Global Civilization Initiative at UN Nairobi event

    China used the International Day for Dialogue Among Civilizations at UNON to rally support for its Global Civilization Initiative, with Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan calling for deeper exchanges among nations and civilizations to address geopolitical tensions. The event highlighted four proposals from Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi: promoting mutual respect among civilizations, deepening people-centered exchanges, balancing cultural heritage with innovation, and strengthening mechanisms for dialogue and mutual learning.

    10 June 2026 · Capital News →

  3. UN General Assembly President warns of liquidity crisis

    The President of the United Nations General Assembly Annalena Baerbock has warned that the UN's deepening liquidity crisis is threatening peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance, and development programmes worldwide, citing unpaid assessed contributions from member states and declining voluntary funding from key donors.

    10 June 2026 · Capital News →

  4. Kenya allocates Sh140 billion to support UN expansion in Nairobi

    Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said Kenya has committed Sh140 billion toward the expansion of the United Nations Office in Nairobi, complementing Sh44 billion invested by the UN, and that the government has allocated USD 1.1 billion for infrastructure upgrades around the Gigiri diplomatic enclave.

    10 June 2026 · Capital News →

  5. Kenya allocates billions to support UN expansion in Nairobi

    Deputy President Kindiki said Kenya has allocated Ksh.140 billion to support the United Nations Office in Nairobi expansion project, which the UN has allocated Ksh.44 billion for. Kenya has also invested USD 1.1 billion in infrastructure around the Gigiri diplomatic enclave to support the modernization.

    10 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  6. Kenya and China promote dialogue among civilizations at UN event

    Kenya, China and United Nations leaders called for greater dialogue among civilisations to promote peace, mutual understanding and sustainable development at the International Day for Dialogue among Civilizations commemoration held at the United Nations Office at Nairobi. Chinese Ambassador Guo Haiyan highlighted China's commitment to the Global Civilization Initiative, which promotes mutual respect and people-centered exchanges.

    10 June 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  7. Kenya invests Sh140 billion in UN Office expansion at Gigiri

    Kenya has allocated about Sh140 billion to support the expansion of United Nations offices in Nairobi, with the UN contributing Sh44 billion, as part of a broader Sh140 billion investment to modernize the Gigiri diplomatic enclave's infrastructure. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said the government views the expansion as both a strategic diplomatic achievement and an economic opportunity to elevate Nairobi's global status.

    10 June 2026 · The Standard →

Tuesday 2 June

  1. Ruto defends US-funded Ebola facility at Laikipia Air Base

    President William Ruto has defended plans to establish a US-funded Ebola facility at Laikipia Air Base, saying the project is part of a long-standing health partnership between Kenya and the United States and will strengthen the country's disease surveillance and response capacity. The US-funded facility, which will cost about Sh1.7 billion, is intended to boost Kenya's ability to detect, isolate and manage infectious diseases, and would join 23 existing isolation and treatment centres across the country.

    2 June 2026 · The Standard →

Saturday 30 May

  1. Kenya, US to establish health facility in Laikipia

    Kenya and the United States plan to establish a specialised health facility at a military installation in Laikipia to strengthen monitoring, isolation, and emergency response capacity for infectious diseases including Ebola. The initiative aims to enhance disease surveillance, diagnostic capacity, and rapid response systems amid concerns over the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    30 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  2. CS Duale defends US Ebola laboratory at Laikipia airbase

    CS Aden Duale has defended Kenya's decision to allow the US to construct an Ebola laboratory at the Laikipia airbase to treat citizens, arguing it will strengthen the country's surveillance, diagnostic capacity, and emergency preparedness. The statement comes after Justice Patricia Nyaundi barred the project from continuing, with four cases challenging it filed by groups including the Katiba Institute and Law Society of Kenya.

    30 May 2026 · The Standard →

Sunday 24 May

  1. Housing deficit drives eco-friendly developments in Nairobi

    Nairobi's growing housing shortage is spurring eco-focused mixed-use developments as investors respond to rising demand for accommodation in high-end suburbs like Gigiri, Westlands and Kilimani. Kenya's housing deficit stands at more than two million units, with Nairobi accounting for a significant share due to its role as the country's commercial and diplomatic hub.

    24 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Thursday 21 May

  1. Kenya hosts Africa Soft Power Summit on creativity and investment

    Nairobi is hosting the 2026 Africa Soft Power Summit, bringing together leaders, innovators, investors, creatives, and policymakers from across the continent to discuss how African countries can align culture, innovation, finance, and human capital to drive economic growth and strengthen the continent's global influence.

    21 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Monday 11 May

  1. Kenya invests $1.1 billion to expand UN Nairobi infrastructure

    President William Ruto announced that Kenya is investing $1.1 billion (KSh143 billion) to upgrade Nairobi's infrastructure in support of the United Nations Office expansion, including roads, street lighting, river regeneration, ICT security, and a UN One-Stop Shop, positioning Nairobi as a hub for global diplomacy and conferencing.

    11 May 2026 · Capital News →

  2. Ruto, Guterres break ground for UNON Assembly Hall expansion

    President William Ruto and UN Secretary-General António Guterres broke ground for the expansion and modernisation of the United Nations Office in Nairobi, which Ruto said will position Nairobi as a premium hub for conferences and exhibitions. Kenya is investing $1.1 billion in support of Nairobi's infrastructure upgrade, including roads, street lighting, river regeneration, and ICT systems.

    11 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →

  3. UN Secretary-General arrives in Nairobi for Africa Forward Summit

    António Guterres has arrived in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit 2026, a two-day gathering co-hosted by President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron. Over 30 African Heads of State and Government are expected to attend, with discussions focused on sustainable development, economic cooperation, innovation, and Africa's transformation agenda.

    11 May 2026 · Capital News →

  4. UN Secretary-General to launch UNON expansion project in Nairobi

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres will visit Kenya on May 11, 2026, to join President William Ruto in launching a USD 340 million expansion of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) in Gigiri, which will modernise facilities and increase conference capacity from 14 to 30 rooms and delegate capacity from about 2,000 to 9,000 participants.

    11 May 2026 · Capital News →

  5. UN Secretary-General Guterres arrives for Africa Forward Summit

    United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has arrived in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit 2026, a high-level forum co-hosted by President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron to discuss the continent's development agenda, sustainable development, economic cooperation, and innovation. While in Kenya, Guterres is also scheduled to attend the groundbreaking of a UN Office expansion project in Gigiri, estimated at about Sh44.2 billion.

    11 May 2026 · The Standard →

  6. Guterres criticizes global financial system for unfair African treatment

    UN Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking in Nairobi at the Africa Forward Summit 2026, criticized the global financial system for disadvantaging African countries, noting that African nations pay more than three times more than developed countries to obtain loans and are excluded from major global decision-making institutions. He called for reforms including permanent African representation on the UN Security Council and a stronger voice in global financial institutions.

    11 May 2026 · The Standard →

Sunday 10 May

  1. Ruto and UN Secretary General to inaugurate Nairobi expansion project

    President William Ruto and United Nations Secretary General António Guterres will inaugurate the UN's Nairobi Expansion Project in Gigiri, a $340 million initiative approved by UN member states in December 2023 that includes upgrades to conference facilities and office blocks at the UN headquarters.

    10 May 2026 · Citizen Digital →

Thursday 7 May

  1. UN invests $340 million to expand Nairobi headquarters

    The United Nations is making a nearly $340 million infrastructure investment in Africa, expanding its Nairobi office into one of the UN's most significant global hubs. Secretary-General António Guterres will join President William Ruto on Monday for the groundbreaking of a new conference facility and inauguration of modern office buildings, replacing aging structures from the 1970s.

    7 May 2026 · Capital News →

  2. UN invests Sh44bn to expand Nairobi headquarters complex

    The United Nations is undertaking one of its largest infrastructure investments in Africa, with Sh44 billion earmarked for expansion of its Nairobi headquarters in Gigiri. UN Secretary-General António Guterres will visit Kenya next week to join President William Ruto for the groundbreaking of a new conference facility and inauguration of modern office buildings, positioning Nairobi as the third-largest UN hub globally after New York and Geneva.

    7 May 2026 · The Standard →

Thursday 30 April

  1. Kenya hosts inaugural global conference on diplomatic privileges June 2026

    Kenya will host the inaugural Diplomatic Conference on the Administration and Management of Privileges and Immunities on June 25–26 in Nairobi, bringing together global stakeholders to strengthen how host countries implement international obligations governing diplomatic relations. The conference will focus on enhancing frameworks such as the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations and aligning legal and policy frameworks across jurisdictions.

    30 April 2026 · Capital News →

Monday 27 April

  1. AHF calls for enforceable health equity commitments at Nairobi summit

    The AIDS Healthcare Foundation is urging global leaders to adopt binding equity measures in pandemic preparedness, warning that without enforceable commitments new health frameworks risk repeating COVID-19 failures. The call comes as over 1,000 delegates gather in Nairobi for the World Health Summit Regional Meeting 2026 while parallel Geneva negotiations continue on a pandemic agreement and Pathogen Access and Benefit-Sharing system.

    27 April 2026 · Capital News →

  2. Duale calls for coordinated African response to non-communicable diseases

    Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has urged intensified multisectoral action to address rising non-communicable diseases, injuries, and mental health conditions across Africa, highlighting Kenya's efforts through the National NCD Intersectoral Coordination Committee and health reforms that have extended coverage to chronic conditions and mental health services for more than 30.6 million Kenyans.

    27 April 2026 · Capital News →

United Nations Office at Nairobi — Kenyan press coverage · Kenya Minute