Kenya seeks 1-1.5 acres in Gigiri for new permanent UN mission offices
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Kenya has invited landowners, developers and agents to offer land in Nairobi's Gigiri diplomatic hub for a purpose-built office block for its permanent missions to the United Nations, with offers due on October 13, 2026.
Kenya's government has begun searching for land in Nairobi to build a new office complex for its permanent missions to the United Nations, as it moves to strengthen its presence at the UN's Nairobi headquarters. Through the Permanent Mission of Kenya to the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) and UNEP, the government has invited landowners, property developers and authorised agents to submit offers for a site suitable for the proposed development.
According to the Expression of Interest seen by Kenyans.co.ke, the government is seeking a parcel measuring approximately one to 1.5 acres, with preference for land within Gigiri's diplomatic hub and no more than about three kilometres from the UN complex. The site would host a purpose-built office block for Kenya's Permanent Mission to UNON and UNEP and its Permanent Mission to UN-Habitat.
The government said the two missions have operated from rented premises since they were established in the 1970s, and that the existing offices lack the space and essential facilities needed to carry out their mandates. The proposed development is intended to improve the missions' operational efficiency, security and institutional presence as Nairobi continues to host major UN agencies.
Sellers must provide valid title documents, and leasehold properties must have at least 50 years remaining on the lease. The land is required to be in a secure and accessible neighbourhood, zoned for commercial, institutional or compatible mixed-use development, and served by roads, water, sewer, electricity and telecommunications infrastructure.
Interested parties have until October 13, 2026 at 11am to submit their Expressions of Interest at the Permanent Mission of Kenya to UNON and UNEP. The search comes as the UN continues to review the global distribution of its programmes. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said the organisation is considering moving some functions from more expensive locations, including Vienna, Geneva and New York, to Nairobi, with UNICEF transferring some functions and the UN Population Fund essentially relocating to the Kenyan capital.