The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) is set for a significant expansion, with Director-General Zainab Bangura announcing a budget of Ksh 38.8 billion (USD 267 million) for the project.

The expansion plans were boosted by the donation of land by Kenya, with approval for financing granted by the UN General Assembly in 2023.

Speaking at the Sixth Session of the United Nations Environment Assembly, Bangura emphasized the necessity of the expansion due to the office's role in hosting international conferences.

"The Secretary-General has been presenting annual reports to address the deteriorating condition and limited capacity of conference facilities at the UNON," Bangura stated.

The expansion project aims to enhance the office's efficiency and will include a 9,000-capacity conference center and modern office spaces.

Additionally, upgraded facilities will feature lounges, a visitors' entry pavilion, a delegate dining building, a media center, and a multi-functional pavilion.

The project, set to commence in 2025 and conclude by 2030, has awarded design services to an international consortium led by a South African firm and a Kenyan partner.

Upon completion, it will be the largest project undertaken by UNON and the largest by the UN in Africa.

President William Ruto and Deputy Rigathi Gachagua have been proponents of the expansion, aiming to enhance the office's service to Kenya.

Ruto, during the UN General Assembly in September 2022, announced Kenya's commitment to providing more land for the upgrade, urging other Member States to enhance financing for the modernization of UNON facilities.

Gachagua echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the need for expansion to accommodate the office's increased role beyond hosting the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).