Kenya pushes for UNEP headquarters expansion, global plastics treaty secretariat

Speaking during her inaugural meeting with UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen at the UN Complex in Gigiri, Amb. Angote emphasized that strengthening UNEP’s presence and operations in Kenya aligns with the nation’s foreign policy objectives, particularly in environmental diplomacy.

“A strengthened UNEP in Kenya, with its headquarters in Nairobi, is in line with Kenya’s foreign policy, advancing the environmental diplomacy focal area,” Amb. Angote said. 

She further stressed Kenya’s dedication to working closely with UNEP to elevate scientific and technical discussions in Nairobi, especially in preparation for key environmental negotiations and sustainable development processes.

Amb. Angote assured the UNEP leadership that Kenya would continue pursuing ongoing diplomatic efforts to “elevate the role of UNEP as the global environmental authority within the United Nations system.” 

She highlighted Kenya’s unwavering support for multilateral environmental action, stating that global challenges require collective efforts from all nations.

“Kenya is ready to contribute its voice, expertise, and resources to the global environmental agenda. My priority will be to continue strengthening and elevating Kenya-UNEP relations,” the envoy stated, referencing the country’s commitment to the Rio+20 outcomes, specifically paragraph 88, which calls for UNEP’s strengthening and funding.

As part of Kenya’s efforts to bolster UNEP’s role, Amb. Angote highlighted plans to establish a UNEP Kenya Country Office at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry. 

The fully-resourced office will serve as a hub for programs and projects aimed at addressing Kenya’s environmental and sustainable development priorities.

“My office will be keen on fast-tracking the full establishment of the UNEP Kenya Country Office, ensuring it has the necessary resources, including programs, projects, and staff to support Kenya’s environmental actions,” she said.

Amb. Angote also pointed to Kenya’s leadership in advocating for a global plastics treaty, emphasizing that the country was eager to host the Secretariat of the treaty at UNEP in Nairobi. 

She reaffirmed President Ruto’s commitment to this initiative and mentioned an upcoming joint side event with UNEP on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, where the President will call for support for the Secretariat’s establishment and operationalization.

“Kenya will continue to work with UNEP member states on this matter, and we look forward to the upcoming UNGA side event as a crucial step toward securing the Secretariat’s establishment in Nairobi,” she concluded.

With Kenya reaffirming its leadership role in global environmental diplomacy, the country's efforts are expected to significantly contribute to the advancement of UNEP’s mission in addressing the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.