A senior United Nations official on Friday denied reports claiming the global body had finalized plans to move key agency offices to Kenya by 2026.
“It’s not a sure thing,” said Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq, addressing speculation that UNICEF, UN Women, and UNFPA would shift their headquarters from New York City to Nairobi. Haq clarified that discussions are ongoing and remain in the early stages, with several options under consideration to enhance the UN’s cost-efficiency.
He noted that proposals are being reviewed across various levels, including agency executive boards and internal staff consultations. “What the Secretary-General said is that one possible step is placing more operations in the field, where costs are lower,” Haq explained.
The potential relocation is part of broader efforts to decentralize operations and make the organization more financially sustainable and field-oriented. However, Haq emphasised that no final decisions have been made, and all options remain subject to further evaluation and discussion.
The idea of relocating to Nairobi has stirred debate within diplomatic circles, reflecting growing calls to rebalance global governance structures toward the Global South. As the UN grapples with budget constraints and evolving geopolitical realities, the future of its physical footprint remains uncertain but firmly under review.