President William Ruto and UN Secretary-General António Guterres will commission the USD 340 million expansion of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON), transforming it into a major global hub.

• The expansion includes new climate-resilient office blocks and upgraded conferencing facilities, increasing seating capacity for delegates from 2,000 to 9,000.
• Key figures involved include President William Ruto and UN Secretary-General António Guterres, alongside the Director-General of UNON, Mrs Zainab Hawa Bangura.
• This significant investment positions Nairobi as the third largest UN global hub after New York and Geneva, reflecting Kenya’s longstanding support for multilateralism.

Kenya is hosting the inaugural Africa Forward Summit 2026 in Nairobi on May 11th and 12th, 2026. The summit is designed to foster economic development and innovation through Africa-France partnerships.

• Over 30 African Heads of State and 4,000 delegates are expected to attend.
• The summit is co-chaired by President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron.
• Key focus areas include economic development, energy transition, and digital transformation, aiming for equal partnerships.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is set to visit Nairobi, Kenya on May 11, 2026, to launch a major expansion of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON).

• The expansion project is valued at approximately USD 340 million (Sh44.2 billion).
• Key figures involved include UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Kenyan President William Ruto.
• The upgraded facility will significantly increase conference capacity, with meeting rooms rising from 14 to 30 and delegate capacity from 2,000 to 9,000, aiming to make Nairobi the third-largest UN duty station globally.

Nairobi will experience significant traffic disruptions from Monday night, May 11, as roads are closed for the Africa Forward Summit 2026, running May 10 to 12.

• Key roads around the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, including City Hall Way, Parliament Road, Harambee Avenue, and Taifa Road, will be closed from midnight on May 11.
• The National Police Service is implementing these temporary traffic restrictions and increased security checks affecting major highways into the capital.
• Commuters on roads like Mombasa Road, Langata Road, Thika Road, Limuru Road, and Kiambu Road should anticipate delays due to convoy movements.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres is in Nairobi for the Africa Forward Summit 2026 and to oversee the expansion of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON).

• The UNON expansion project is estimated at USD 340 million (approximately Sh44.2 billion).
• Key figures include UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Kenyan President William Ruto, who is co-hosting with French President Emmanuel Macron.
• The summit will discuss sustainable development and economic cooperation, while the UNON expansion will significantly increase capacity, positioning Nairobi as the third-largest UN duty station.