Kenya is seeking to acquire land in Nairobi for the construction of a purpose-built office block for its Permanent Missions to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat.
In an invitation for bids issued on September 22, the State Department for Foreign Affairs invited landowners, property developers and authorized agents to submit Expressions of Interest (EOIs) for parcels that meet the government’s requirements.
“Since their establishment in the 1970s, the two Missions have continued to operate from rented premises, which lack adequate space and essential amenities necessary for the effective discharge of their mandates.
The Government of Kenya, through the State Department for Foreign Affairs, therefore proposes to acquire suitable land for the construction of a purpose-built office block to accommodate the two Missions and enhance their operational efficiency, security, and institutional presence,” read part of the statement.
The proposed land should be located within Nairobi City County, preferably within Gigiri’s diplomatic hub and approximately three kilometres from the United Nations Complex.
Kenya Issues EOI for Land to House Kenya’s UN Missions
The parcel should measure approximately 1 to 1.5 acres, or another size deemed suitable for a multi-storey office development.
According to the EOI, the land should be in a secure and accessible neighbourhood suitable for diplomatic or government offices and have access to major roads and public infrastructure.
The property must also be zoned for commercial, institutional or compatible mixed-use development and comply with Nairobi City County planning regulations.
The government requires access to essential utilities, including water, sewerage, electricity and telecommunications, as well as adequate drainage and suitable environmental conditions.
Additionally, the land must have a valid and verifiable Certificate of Title, either freehold or leasehold with at least 50 years remaining on the lease.
It must also be free from encumbrances, disputes, caveats, charges and litigation, with land rates and rent fully paid where applicable.
How to Express Interest
Interested parties must submit documents including a copy of the title deed, an official search no older than three months, cadastral and site location maps, zoning or planning approval documents, and the proposed asking price.
Companies submitting offers must also provide registration documents, a valid Tax Compliance Certificate and a current CR12, while agents must provide a Power of Attorney or authorization letter.
The government will evaluate submissions based on compliance with the technical requirements, location suitability, and the legal status and clarity of the title.
Shortlisted applicants may be invited for site visits and further negotiations.
Interested bidders must submit their sealed EOIs to the Permanent Mission of Kenya to the United Nations at 328 Runda Grove by October 13, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. East African Time.
The submissions will thereafter be opened publicly at the Mission’s boardroom. Late submissions will not be considered.
Why the UN Is Investing Billions in Nairobi as Global Operations Hub
In July, UNON Director-General Zainab Hawa Bangura said Nairobi is regarded within the UN system as a “golden gem” for operations, citing its cost-effectiveness, strategic location, modern infrastructure and ability to support global operations.
Bangura said the UN had invested USD340 million (approximately Ksh44 billion) in expanding its Nairobi facilities, describing it as the organization’s largest investment in Africa outside peacekeeping operations.
She also said about 60 percent of UN staff based in Nairobi are Kenyans, underscoring the country’s contribution to the UN workforce.
Bangura said the Gigiri complex has grown significantly since its establishment in 1972, when the Kenyan government under founding President Jomo Kenyatta allocated land for the headquarters of the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), which initially had about 300 staff.
Former President Daniel Arap Moi later allocated an additional 40 acres to facilitate the establishment of UN-Habitat, which initially had about 30 employees.
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