By Angela Kibara
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, has conducted a pivotal official tour of the United Nations Complex in Gigiri, Nairobi.
This inspection precedes the 20th Ordinary Session of the African Ministerial Conference on the Environment (AMCEN-20), scheduled for July 14 to 18, 2025.
The upcoming conference further solidifies Nairobi’s international standing as a beacon of environmental stewardship on the African continent.
During his visit, the Prime Cabinet Secretary thoroughly examined the complex’s acclaimed, “green building,” an architectural and environmental marvel housing the global headquarters of UNEP and UN-Habitat.
According to details shared in his official X post, this state-of-the-art structure spans over 6,000 square metres.
It showcases a commitment to sustainable design through extensive solar panels, cutting-edge energy-efficient technologies, and intelligent ventilation systems.
Mr. Mudavadi highlighted this facility as a prime example of sustainability in action, noting its role in setting a new benchmark for energy-neutral buildings, particularly within Africa.
Reflecting on Nairobi hosting such a vital UN presence, Prime Cabinet Secretary Mudavadi emphasized its profound implications for global environmental discourse.
“The UN’s presence in Nairobi is not just a marker of international engagement but a powerful platform that brings global environmental dialogues to our doorstep, underscoring Kenya’s unwavering leadership in environmental stewardship,” he said.
He further stressed how this facility, coupled with the upcoming conference, boosts Nairobi’s reputation as Africa’s environmental capital.
Mudavadi further articulated Kenya’s deep-seated commitment to environmental progress, outlining the nation’s ongoing drive to implement green energy solutions, promote circular economies, and foster climate-resilient urbanization.
“Guided by the vision of H.E. President William Ruto, Kenya remains deeply committed to driving green energy solutions, promoting circular economies, fostering climate-resilient urbanisation, and supporting the UN’s mission for sustainable development across the continent,” the Prime Cabinet Secretary stated in his X account.
This comprehensive statement reinforces the country’s strategic dedication to building a sustainable future.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary was joined during his insightful tour by Ms. Zainab Hawa Bangura, Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) and Hon. Susan Nakhumicha Wafula, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to UN-Habitat, among other distinguished colleagues and partners.
Their collective presence underscores the collaborative efforts underpinning Kenya’s leadership in environmental governance as AMCEN-20 prepares to convene.