UN Awards $109.9 Million Contract for Major Conference Centre Construction in Kenya
NAIROBI, Kenya — The United Nations Secretariat has awarded a $109.87 million construction contract to China Railway Construction Engineering Group Co. Ltd. for major works on the expansion of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) conference facilities in Kenya.
The contract, valued at US$109,866,152.12, was awarded on October 14, 2026, under procurement reference RFP 3100006743, according to an award notice published on the United Nations Global Marketplace (UNGM). The contract covers major construction works under Phases 1A and 1B of the Conference Facilities Project.
The project is designed to transform the UN complex in Gigiri, Nairobi, into a modern international conference hub capable of accommodating the growing demand for high-level diplomatic meetings and multilateral engagements.
The Conference Facilities Project has an estimated budget of $265.7 million and will expand the complex’s conference capacity from approximately 2,000 to 9,000 participants.
The development includes a new 1,600-seat Assembly Hall, a visitors’ centre, a media centre, modernised conference rooms and upgraded facilities for delegates and other visitors. The number of meeting rooms is also expected to increase from 14 to 30.
According to the United Nations Office at Nairobi, the project is intended to improve conference services, accessibility, energy efficiency and the overall experience of participants attending international meetings.
The Nairobi complex hosts the UN Environment Programme (UNEP), UN-Habitat and numerous other United Nations offices, making it a major centre for international cooperation in the Global South.
The construction project forms part of a broader investment of nearly $340 million in the UN’s Nairobi headquarters, representing one of the organisation’s largest infrastructure investments in Africa outside peacekeeping operations.
In May 2026, UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Kenyan President William Ruto participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Assembly Hall, marking a major milestone in the development.
The project is expected to strengthen Nairobi’s capacity to host major international conferences, including meetings on climate change, sustainable development, environmental protection and global governance.
The UN has also identified energy efficiency and universal accessibility as central elements of the project. Plans include solar power generation, barrier-free access and conference technology designed to support participants with disabilities.
Beyond its diplomatic significance, the project is expected to generate employment and business opportunities for Kenyan construction professionals, engineers, suppliers, logistics operators and other service providers.
The increased capacity of the UN complex is also expected to benefit Nairobi’s hospitality, aviation, transportation, tourism and conference-services sectors by attracting more international delegates and visitors.
The UN has projected substantial completion of the Conference Facilities Project by September 2029, with finalisation expected in early 2030.
When completed, the expanded complex is expected to reinforce Nairobi’s position as the United Nations’ principal headquarters in the Global South and strengthen Africa’s participation in international decision-making.
