As the world marks United Nations Day, a new Stahili Pulse Report shows that most Kenyans are excited about the planned relocation of key UN offices to Nairobi, a move they believe will boost the country’s global standing and open up new opportunities.

According to the report released on Friday, October 24, 2025, after conducting a survey, 60.9 per cent of those interviewed say they are very excited about the relocation, describing it as a moment of pride and progress for the country.

“It’s great for Kenya!” was the most common phrase recorded among those in support. However, 29.8 per cent of respondents said they were “neutral,” noting that the move might not have any direct impact on their daily lives. “It won’t really affect me,” was the response recorded by the percentage above.

A smaller group expressed concern that the relocation might come with new challenges. Some respondents worried it could worsen traffic congestion in Nairobi or raise the cost of living around key UN zones as more expatriates and agencies settle in. A small percentage said they were against it, arguing that such global bureaucracies often fail to connect with local needs.

The report by Stahili on Kenyan Perceptions on the UN Move captures the national mood at a time when conversations about Kenya’s role in global governance are gaining momentum.

The global body is planning to move UN Women, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) to join the already established UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and UN-Habitat in Nairobi.

This move is touted to place Kenya’s capital alongside New York, Geneva, and Vienna as one of only four cities globally hosting multiple UN headquarters.

The relocation is viewed as part of the broader UN reform agenda, which seeks to decentralise operations from high-cost cities to more affordable, strategically located regions.

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