UN NAIROBI CONFERENCE FACILITIES EXPANSION, NAIROBI
The United Nations Office at Nairobi( UNON) is expanding its conference facilities at its 56-hectare Gigiri campus in Kenya. The project will strengthen the campus’ s role as a centre for multilateral meetings.
UNON appointed South African practice Boogertman + Partners to lead design services in 2023. The multidisciplinary team includes Herzog & de Meuron of Switzerland as co-design consultants, Howard Humphreys East Africa as building services, civil and structural engineers and MACE YMR for project management and quantity surveying.
The US $ 265.7 million Conference Facilities Project will increase UNON’ s conference capacity from approximately 2,000 to 9,000 participants. The development includes a new 1,600-seat Assembly Hall, 30 conference and meeting rooms, a visitors’ centre, delegates registration building, media centre, dining and multi-purpose exhibition facilities as well as the refurbishment of existing conference areas.
The minimalist design draws on traditional forms and integrates the buildings into Gigiri’ s forested setting. Natural light, views, local materials and construction techniques inform the design.
The project targets net-zero energy consumption. Photovoltaic panels are projected to generate approximately 3 to 4
GWh of electricity annually while passive design measures and energy-efficient systems will reduce operational demand. Barrier-free circulation and assistive conference technology support universal accessibility.
Construction of the Assembly Hall began in May 2026 with a groundbreaking ceremony attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Kenyan President William Ruto. The hall will form the centrepiece of the expanded conference complex, with substantial completion expected in 2029 and finalisation in early 2030.
The project represents a significant international commission for Boogertman + Partners and brings together South African, Kenyan and Swiss expertise in creating a contemporary conference facility designed specifically for its African setting.
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