As UN Agencies Consider Relocating to Kenya, Concerns Arise Over Missing Out on Nairobi’s Expansion

Nairobi: Balancing Development and Inequality Amidst UN Expansion Plans

In Nairobi’s Gigiri neighborhood, where towering glass buildings gleam in the sunlight and security checkpoints smoothly ease air-conditioned vehicles by, another reality lurks just a short distance away. As the city anticipates a potential transformation that could position it as a central hub for the United Nations, the contrasting worlds of Nairobi’s rich and poor poignantly illustrate the challenges at hand.

A Sharp Contrast: UN Hubs and Slum Realities

Just two kilometers from the United Nations Complex in the upscale Gigiri area, lies the Githogoro slum. Here, Agnes Karimi struggles to keep her small butchery afloat. Without electricity, the 36-year-old mother of four watches helplessly as her stock spoils under the unrelenting sun.

“We do not have electricity here,” she says, swatting at flies. “My meat goes bad fast.”

This stark juxtaposition between gleaming UN facilities and the informal settlements highlights the underlying socio-economic disparities that linger in Nairobi.

The UN80 Reform Agenda: Opportunity or Hazard?

The UN’s UN80 reform agenda suggests a strategic relocation of several of its agencies, including UNICEF, UNFPA, and UN Women, to Nairobi by 2026. The transition promises to bolster Nairobi’s standing alongside New York, Geneva, and Vienna. Yet, the decision remains unconfirmed, leaving Nairobi in a state of anticipation.

“Kenya will be leveraging on the UN’s existing presence in the country and the opportunities presented by its operations in the greater horn, east, and central Africa sub-regions,” stated Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.

Ambassador Ababu Namwamba emphasizes Nairobi’s credentials: “As a key multilateral diplomatic hub and the environmental capital of the world, Nairobi has consistently provided top-tier services at third-tier cost.”

For residents, this shift elicits mixed emotions. While the international spotlight could drive economic growth, it might also exacerbate the existing housing crisis and deepen inequalities.

Rising Rents and the Housing Conundrum

Nairobi’s housing market is already feeling the impending shifts. Upscale neighborhoods like Runda, often dubbed the “Beverly Hills of Nairobi”, are gearing up for an influx of international staff by developing housing, expanding amenities, and preparing to welcome expatriates.

According to Joachim Ombui, chairman of the Landlords and Tenants Association of Kenya, long-term rentals might see a 10 to 11 percent hike. As developers eye UN staff, the city faces potential increases in rental prices by 10-15 percent by 2026.

“We’re seeing a move toward mixed-use developments with sustainable, eco-friendly designs,” explained Ombui. However, rising rents pose serious concerns, leading to calls for rent control measures.

In Ruaka, a burgeoning residential area, local journalist Rwamba Njagi notes climbing rental prices, with some units increasing from $155 monthly to over $380. This trend poses challenges in a city where rental costs already claim a substantial portion of middle-class incomes.

Economist John Mwati sees both opportunity and risk: “The UN moving its operations to Nairobi is a big deal. It could positively impact housing, hospitality, and services. However, smart government action is needed to ensure these benefits reach everyone.”

Nairobi’s Ambitious Future

The UN General Assembly has already approved investments of nearly $340 million in Nairobi, potentially allowing it to host UNGA meetings and solidifying its position as the “multilateral capital of the Global South.”

While some see promise, others, like Simon Awene, remain skeptical. “The only time anyone helps us is when they are pushing their agendas,” he reflects on years of unmet promises.

Conversely, young professionals like John Njuguna remain hopeful. “I have hopes of earning more with the coming of more foreigners,” says Njuguna, a motorbike taxi driver, envisioning increased demand for his services.

Yet, for residents like Cledwyn Mamai, the expansion may predominantly benefit established wealthy areas. He warns, “The expansion feels like another reminder of exclusion from Kenya’s growth story.”

For Agnes Karimi, unaware of the broader implications, hope lies in a simple wish for electricity. “If the UN community could help us get electricity, I could buy a refrigerator and keep my stock fresh,” she dreams.

Nairobi stands at a crossroads. Will this potential UN expansion mark a new dawn of opportunity, or will it deepen existing divides? As the world watches, the response will shape the city’s future and test its resilience.

By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.