Mudavadi: Nairobi proposed as UNESCO regional hub for Africa

Kenya is seeking to position Nairobi as UNESCO’s regional hub anchor in Africa, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said.

Mudavadi said Kenya is leveraging its progress in infrastructure development, peace and security, political stability, economic growth, and diplomatic reach to propose the elevation and expansion of the UNESCO Regional Office for Eastern Africa based in Nairobi.

He made the remarks during a meeting with the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Prof. Khaled Ahmed El-Enany Ali Ezz, at the organisation’s headquarters in Paris, France.

“In line with ongoing UN80 reforms and efforts to strengthen UNESCO’s presence in the region, Kenya remains steadfastly committed to UNESCO’s ideals and objectives, guided by Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals,” Mudavadi said.

“Kenya will continue to collaborate with UNESCO and Member States to advance inclusive, equitable, and transformative development across all areas of its mandate.”

Mudavadi, who has concluded a two-day visit to Paris, said the proposed move would strengthen operational coordination, enhance complementarity among UN agencies in Nairobi, and create job opportunities for Kenyans.

He commended Kenya’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO, saying it plays a critical role in advancing the country’s interests by leveraging the organisation’s expertise in education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, the blue economy, and information and communication technologies.

“This strategic approach ensures that Kenya’s voice is not only heard but is also influential on the global stage, promoting our national interests through UNESCO’s platforms, programmes, and initiatives,” he said.

Mudavadi said Kenya aims to expand opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) to develop sustainable solutions to societal challenges.

He noted that the overarching goal is to strengthen Kenya’s strategic positioning within UNESCO and deliver tangible benefits to the country and its citizens.

“For instance, Kenya will leverage UNESCO’s Executive Board meeting scheduled for April as it seeks to mobilise funding to harness water resources in areas such as Turkana County, once feasibility studies on tapping the aquifer for agricultural and domestic use are completed,” he said.

Mudavadi, who is also the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said Kenya is seeking to position its citizens in influential roles within UNESCO and its affiliated organisations to enhance the country’s global influence, strengthen partnerships, and consolidate leadership in UNESCO affairs.

Kenya also plans to capitalise on its growing digital economy and harness the potential of artificial intelligence.

“We are seeking funding to implement the National AI Strategy, including the expansion of UNESCO-funded youth programmes in artificial intelligence, coding, and entrepreneurship,” Mudavadi said.

He also presented Kenya’s request to UNESCO to help fast-track the establishment of the Centre for Heritage Development and Training.

UNESCO welcomed Kenya’s leadership in cultural heritage, including its membership of the World Heritage Committee for the 2023–2027 term and its role in advancing African perspectives on heritage authenticity.

“This aligns with efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage, as the World Heritage Centre is in discussions with the Permanent Delegation on funding modalities to establish an international centre for capacity development and conservation of cultural heritage in Kenya, which will require funding of about Sh200 million,” Mudavadi said.

The discussions also underscored cooperation on sustainable ocean governance and the blue economy, with UNESCO confirming its support for Kenya ahead of the Ocean Conference to be held in Mombasa in June 2026.

Both sides agreed on the importance of mobilising innovative partnerships and sustainable financing to scale up impact, and concluded the meeting with a shared commitment to deepening UNESCO–Kenya cooperation in support of Africa’s leadership in knowledge, innovation, culture, and sustainable development.