The Kenyan government is inviting landowners and developers to offer property for a new office complex in Nairobi. The State Department for Foreign Affairs is seeking a parcel of about 1-1.5 acres, preferably in the heart of Gigiri's diplomatic zone and within roughly 3km of the United Nations Complex. This location will be used to develop a purpose-built office block for the Permanent Mission of Kenya to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) and United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), as well as the Permanent Mission to UN-Habitat.
Kenya's permanent missions to the UN have been based in rented premises since they were established in the 1970s. However, the government says their current offices do not have sufficient space or the facilities needed to support their operations and responsibilities. The government plans 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.
The proposed site should be in a secure neighborhood suitable for diplomatic or government offices. It should also be easily accessible through major roads and have access to public infrastructure. The parcel should be approximately 1-1.5 acres, although land of another size may be considered if it can support a multi-storey office complex. The property should have a regular shape to make planning and construction easier.
The government has set out a number of technical requirements for the property. It must be approved for commercial, institutional or mixed-use development that permits office construction and comply with Nairobi City County planning rules. The site should have dependable road access and connections to water, sewerage, electricity and telecommunications services. Adequate drainage will also be required, while the land must be environmentally suitable for the planned development.
Property owners will have to prove that they legally own the land by providing a valid and verifiable freehold or leasehold title. For leasehold property, the remaining lease period must be at least 50 years. The government will not consider land affected by disputes, caveats, charges, litigation or other encumbrances. Applicants must also ensure that all applicable land rates and rent have been paid and are up to date.
Interested property owners and developers are required to submit a letter expressing their willingness to sell the property, a copy of the title deed or certificate of title and an original official search issued within the previous three months. Other documents required include cadastral and site location maps and proof of zoning or planning approval. The deadline for submissions is October 13, 2026, at 11am.
The State Department will consider the submissions according to several requirements, including technical compliance, location, ownership status, infrastructure, value for money and whether the site is suitable for the planned development. Kenya's Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNON and UNEP Idah Odinga said that submitting an offer does not guarantee that a purchase will follow, and the government can accept or reject any submission without giving reasons.
Key points
- The Kenyan government is seeking 1-1.5 acres of land in Gigiri, Nairobi, for a new office complex for its UN missions.
- The proposed site should be in a secure neighborhood with access to public infrastructure and major roads.
- The deadline for submissions is October 13, 2026, at 11am.
