By Janet Ekstract NEW YORK – Earlier this year, The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) revealed its plan to more a large portion of its staff to Nairobi, Kenya. The move is based on the organization’s strategic decision to have the UNFPA physically closer to the communities it serves in the Global South with the goal toward improving efficiency and effectiveness. Approximately 25% of UNFPA’s New York staff will relocate to Nairobi, mostly comprised of operational functions. UNFPA leadership is promoting beneficial opportunities about the move that they view as creating a more streamlined and timely response to the needs of communities facing high maternal mortality rates which aligns with the UNFPA’s core mission. Meanwhile, Kenya’s government views the relocation as a crucial move that reflects Nairobi’s growing significance as a diplomatic and development hub. According to experts, the move is reflective of a more widespread trend within the international community. Other U.N. agencies and non-governmental organizations are also planning a move to Nairobi to establish their presence in the Global South.
Nairobi is already the base for major U.N. entities like UNEP and UN-Habitat which has proven that it’s a primary center for international development initiatives. Not all employees are behind the relocation since they said that there was a lack of consultation in the decision-making process and have requested an analysis to justify Nairobi. There are concerns about the impact such a move would have on job security as well as concerns about rent increased and property prices near the agency’s new offices. According to statistics, Nairobi ranks in sixth position among African cities, ranking 94th globally. A recent report from 2023 Brand Finance City Index rates Nairobi as a prominent city within the African continent. Since it’s the capital of Kenya, the report states that it offers a vibrant environment, diverse residential options and established markets.
It won’t only be New York U.N. staff relocating, Denmark’s U.N. Office for Project Services (UNOPS) is also relocating to Nairobi, which also serves as the U.N.’s southern hemisphere headquarters. Even though UNOPS, a self-financing organization has its Africa Regional Office under its global headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, it often has projects in crisis-hit nations across the continent especially those at war or going through a time of conflict. UNOPS Executive Director Jorge Moreira da Silva in a statement from his office, explained: “This move will reinforce our capacity to support our partners in Africa to ensure our work effectively reduces inequalities, builds sustainability, and supports African countries in climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.”
