Kenya’s newly appointed Permanent Representative to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ababu Namwamba, has pledged to bolster the presence and impact of the UN in Kenya, Africa, and the Global South.
Speaking after officially commencing his duties, Namwamba emphasized his commitment to delivering tangible outcomes through an approach grounded in service delivery, collaboration, and integrity.
“My focus is to help strengthen the UN presence in Kenya, Africa, and the Global South and ensure the people of Kenya feel the presence of the United Nations in real terms,” said Namwamba.
Drawing from his previous role as Cabinet Secretary for Sports, where he spearheaded significant milestones such as the lifting of FIFA’s ban on Kenyan football and securing hosting rights for CHAN 2025 and AFCON 2027 Namwamba promised to bring the same transformative energy to his new position.
“I left an indelible mark at my last public duty station. Kenyans should expect a similar midas touch at UNON and UNEP, delivered by intellectual nous, relentless hands-on focus, unflinching attention to detail, all-encompassing teamwork, and integrity,” he noted.
Namwamba’s statement followed the presentation of his credentials and a meeting with UNON Director-General H.E. Zainab Hawa Bangura. He also held discussions with staff at Kenya’s Mission to UNON and UNEP.
President William Ruto nominated Namwamba for the role in December 2024. Following parliamentary vetting, his appointment was confirmed in January 2025.
Nairobi hosts one of only four United Nations headquarters globally alongside New York, Geneva, and Vienna and is the only UN headquarters in the Global South. UNON supports 86 UN agencies serving 166 countries, making it not only the largest UN complex but also the fastest-growing duty station worldwide. As home to both UNEP and UN-Habitat, Nairobi holds a unique position as the environment capital of the world.
With Namwamba at the helm, Kenya anticipates increased UN engagement and visibility, not just within its borders but across Africa. His leadership is expected to amplify Nairobi’s strategic role in advancing global environmental and developmental goals.
