PCS Tours UN Complex facility ahead of AMCEN20 Conference
As the 20th Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN-20) commences in Nairobi, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Dr. Musalia Mudavadi, conducted an inspection of the ongoing renovations and construction of new office blocks at the United Nations Complex in Gigiri, Nairobi.
This year's AMCEN-20, marking 40 years since its inception in Cairo in 1985, will be hosted by the Government of the State of Libya at the United Nations Complex in Nairobi.
The PCS was received by Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General of UNON, and Hon. Susan Nakhumicha, Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat.
Dr. Mudavadi visited the newly built 'green building' within the 140-acre UN Gigiri compound; a landmark achievement in Africa's environmental sustainability. The building, home to the UN Environment Programme and UN-Habitat, is a model of energy efficiency and climate-conscious design, and is a testament to the United Nations' commitment to environmental sustainability.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary lauded this ambitious development as a testament to Kenya’s enduring stature as a trusted multilateral hub, enhancing the nation’s capacity to host key United Nations General Assembly sessions and offices with even greater efficiency, dignity, and sustainability.
Dr. Mudavadi praised the UN's presence in Nairobi as a significant step towards a future where environmental responsibility and economic development are intertwined. The office complex, which spans over 6,000 square meters, features solar panels, energy-efficient lighting, and advanced ventilation systems, making it one of the most environmentally friendly in Africa. The building's capacity to generate electricity as it consumes reflects Kenya's commitment to sustainability. The presence of the United Nations in Nairobi not only creates jobs but also brings global conversations to Kenya, positioning it as the environmental capital of Africa.
He further added that the expansion embodies the vision articulated in Sessional Paper No. 1 of 2025 on Kenya’s Foreign Policy, which underscores Kenya’s unwavering commitment to advancing multilateral diplomacy and fostering meaningful global engagement from Nairobi.
The Kenyan government's commitment to sustainability is reflected in the building's innovative and foresight approach to climate change, featuring environmentally intelligent systems like solar rooftops and natural ventilation corridors.
DG Bangura informed the PCS that the green building was primarily built by Kenyan contractors, highlighting the efficiency of local architects and builders in understanding climate, sourcing materials, and highlighting the country's high level of technology and expertise.
Ms. Bangura praised Kenya's support for the UN and called for continued collaboration to improve the Gigiri UN complex. She urged the Kenyan government to expedite approvals and facilitate infrastructure upgrades to better serve Africa and the world, as the UN continues to expand and modernize the complex to meet global standards.
Dr. Mudavadi reaffirmed the government’s commitment to green energy, circular economies, and climate-smart cities, highlighting Kenya's continued support for UN-led efforts in Africa. This, he emphasized the importance of energy neutrality in Nairobi, the UNEP headquarters, as a key component of this goal.
“Nairobi is the headquarters of UNEP, the ongoing works reflect not only an investment in infrastructure but also in the ideals of international cooperation, positioning Nairobi as a beacon of dialogue and partnership for the continent and the world. Under the leadership of H.E. President William Ruto, the Government of Kenya remains fully committed to ensuring that this UN complex achieves the world-class status it deserves as a hub of innovation, diplomacy, and green transformation,” Dr. Mudavadi concluded.