In the last few weeks, Nairobi has hosted high profile leaders and guests, including Japanese Prime Minister, IMF Managing Director, Canadian Foreign Minister among others. This shows the growing importance of Nairobi and Kenya at large in driving international agenda and development. Nairobi is the only capital in the global south to host the offices of the United Nations, as illustrated by the fact that Kenya through Nairobi has hosted the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) from 1972 and UN -Habitat since 1975. Because of the Habitat headquarters, the second session of the United Nations Habitat Assembly (UNHA II) will be held in Nairobi from 5th to 9th June 2023. Nairobi will host big delegations and conferences as part of the efforts to diversify our tourism earnings beyond the traditional attractions like wildlife and beaches.
It is a great honour that issues of mutual international importance are canvased and agreed upon in Nairobi. These two UN offices will be joined by the recently approved decision for Nairobi to host the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS). The UNOPS is a self-financing entity and the UNOPS Africa regional office has for a long time been located in Copenhagen, Denmark, which hosts the global headquarters of UNOPS, with country offices in Kenya and other African countries. From Copenhagen, the UNOPS Africa offices has been coordinating implementation of projects in the crisis hit countries and those recovering from war or conflicts in the African continent. UNOPS acts as a project implementer for other UN agencies and provides the necessary infrastructure and logistical support especially on programmes and projects aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It has been leading in the implementation of projects and programmes valued at more than US$ 3 billion annually.
Moving the headquarters of UNOPS to Nairobi, to be completed at the end of the year, is expected to enhance the ability of the World Bank to support its African partners and thereby build a better future for the people. The office will enable African countries to adapt and mitigate climate change consequences, in response to peace and security, humanitarian and development challenges across the continent. It can be argued that the decision and vote to relocate the UNOPS in Nairobi is a strong affirmation of the role that Kenya plays to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Africa. Stakeholders should use this opportunity to leverage and tap more developments and employment opportunities for Kenya and her people Dr. Mutegi Giti, Urban management, Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) & Environment Specialist. mutegigiti@gmail.com, @danielgiti.
Dr. Daniel Mutegi Giti 