Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNON and UNEP Idah Odinga. /IDAH ODINGA
The government has invited bids from landowners and property developers for the acquisition of land within Gigiri to build offices for its two permanent missions to the UN.
The land will be used to construct a purpose-built office block for Kenya's Permanent Mission to the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) and United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), and the Permanent Mission to UN-Habitat.
The two missions have operated from rented premises since their establishment in the 1970s, but the government says the offices lack adequate space and essential amenities required for them to effectively discharge their mandates.
“The Government of Kenya, through the State Department for Foreign Affairs, therefore proposes to acquire suitable land for the construction of a purpose-built office block to accommodate the two Missions and enhance their operational efficiency, security, and institutional presence,” Kenya’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to UNON and UNEP Idah Odinga said.
She said the government is seeking a suitable parcel that meet the government’s requirements for location, size, accessibility, infrastructure and legal compliance.
The government said the preferred property should be located within Nairobi, preferably in Gigiri’s core diplomatic hub and approximately 3km from the UN Complex.
The site should be in a secure and accessible neighbourhood suitable for diplomatic or government office development, with easy access to major roads and public infrastructure.
The parcel should measure approximately 1–1.5 acres, or a size considered suitable for a multi-storey office development.
The property should have a regular shape to facilitate optimal design and development.
It should also be zoned for commercial, institutional or mixed-use development compatible with office construction and comply with Nairobi City County planning regulations.
The government requires the property to have reliable access roads and connections to water, sewer, electricity and telecommunications infrastructure, as well as adequate drainage and environmental suitability for development.
On ownership, bidders must provide a valid and verifiable freehold or leasehold title, with leasehold properties required to have at least 50 years remaining.
The land must be free from encumbrances, disputes, caveats, charges and litigation, while land rates and rent, where applicable, must be fully paid and up to date.
The notice said interested parties must submit a cover letter expressing interest in selling the land, a copy of the title deed or certificate of title, an original official search issued within the previous three months, cadastral and site location maps, and evidence of zoning or planning approval.
They must also provide their proposed asking price, inclusive of all taxes and transfer costs, as well as company registration documents where applicable, a valid tax compliance certificate and a current CR12.
Sole proprietors may submit a copy of their identity card. Agents must provide a power of attorney or authorisation letter, while bidders are required to disclose any encumbrances affecting the property.
Submissions will be assessed based on compliance with the technical specifications, location, clarity of title, infrastructure, value for money and overall feasibility for development.
Only shortlisted applicants will be invited for further engagement, including site visits and negotiations.
“This expression of interest does not constitute a commitment or obligation by the Government of Kenya to purchase any land,” Idah said.
She said the government reserves the right to accept or reject any submission without assigning reasons and is not bound to select the lowest-priced offer.
The sealed submissions should be clearly marked “EOI – Offer for Acquisition of Land for Construction of Office Block for Permanent Missions of the Republic of Kenya to UNON & UNEP and UN-Habitat.”
Bids must be submitted to the tender box at the Permanent Mission’s main reception at 328 Runda Grove by October 13, 2026, at 11am.
They will thereafter be opened publicly at the mission’s boardroom at 328 Runda Grove in the presence of applicants or their representatives who choose to attend.
Further information is available from the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Kenya to UNON and UNEP at 328 Runda Grove between 9am and 4.30pm on weekdays, as well as through the Public Procurement Information Portal and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
