In a landmark decision set to redefine international development operations, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres recently reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to relocating a substantial number of its programs and staff from New York to Nairobi. As part of this strategic shift, 2,000 employees are scheduled to relocate by July 2025. This move, particularly for agencies such as UNFPA and UNOPS, is motivated by the need for more effective operations, cost efficiencies, and the UN’s strategic goal of strengthening its presence in the Global South. It is also a practical decision to be closer to the people and regions the UN is mandated to serve.
This relocation signals not only a change in geography but also a symbolic repositioning of Nairobi as a rising global center for diplomacy and humanitarian coordination. The impact of this decision is already being felt across the city, particularly in high-profile neighborhoods like Gigir and Two Rivers Social City
Nairobi’s Strategic Importance
Nairobi has had a longstanding relationship with the United Nations. It became home to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in 1973, the first UN agency to be headquartered in the Global South. UN-Habitat joined five years later in 1978. Today, 23 UN agencies operate out of Nairobi, making it a major center of global governance.
The city’s appeal lies in several key factors: its central location within Africa, strong infrastructure, regional connectivity, political stability, and its status as an already established UN hub. The United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), based in Gigiri, is one of four major UN headquarters globally. The momentum is building, with the Business Daily reporting plans for three additional global UN offices—including UNICEF, UNFPA, and UN Women—to be established in Kenya by the end of 2026.
Real Estate Impact in Gigiri
Gigiri has long been Nairobi’s diplomatic and international district, home to UNON and various embassies, international organizations, and diplomatic residences. With the impending arrival of additional UN staff and families, the area is expected to see an uptick in demand for both commercial and residential space.
For commercial real estate, this shift means a greater need for meeting facilities, office blocks, and co-working environments that cater to the needs of development agencies and support organizations. Property developers and landlords with assets in Gigiri are already anticipating higher rental yields and occupancy rates, while new investors have been given compelling reasons to enter or expand within the market.
On the residential front, the arrival of UN employees will likely trigger increased demand for secure, high-end housing. Gigiri’s surrounding areas are expected to see a renewed interest from expatriates seeking quality, diplomatic-grade homes in well-serviced neighborhoods.
The Rise of Two Rivers Social City
Located just minutes away from Gigiri, Two Rivers Social City is emerging as a key beneficiary of the UN’s relocation. Developed by Centum Real Estate, this expansive, secure, mixed-use development integrates residential, commercial, retail, and recreational spaces in one master-planned environment. It is also home to East Africa’s largest shopping mall.
Recent activity within the development underscores its growing prominence. Riverbank Apartments currently enjoy 98% occupancy, while The Loft Residences have attracted long-term leases from UN personnel, embassy staff, and affiliated service providers. Office space uptake in the Southern and Northern Towers—part of the Two Rivers International Finance and Innovation Centre (TRIFIC)—has also seen a significant increase from consultancies, NGOs, and legal firms aligned with the UN ecosystem.
The development’s proximity to key international schools such as SABIS and Aga Khan Academy, as well as its focus on safety, accessibility, and modern urban living, make it particularly attractive for incoming UN families and professionals.
Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Investors and Planners
The UN’s decision to relocate its staff and expand its presence in Nairobi opens up a wide range of investment and urban planning opportunities. Developers focusing on mixed-use, eco-conscious communities that integrate residential, work, and leisure elements are particularly well-positioned to meet the needs of international tenants. There is also growing potential for public-private partnerships that can support sustainable infrastructure, transit systems, and affordable housing initiatives.
Beyond the real estate sector, this relocation enhances Nairobi’s standing on the global stage. It reinforces the city’s role not only as a regional powerhouse but also as a central node in the global development ecosystem.
As Nairobi prepares to take on this new chapter, it must do so with vision and purpose. The foundations are already in place—from infrastructure and diplomacy to innovation and investment. The challenge now is to build on this momentum with foresight and commitment to inclusive, sustainable urban growth.
Source: Centum