Kenya is set to introduce financial incentives for United Nations staff members both within and outside the country as part of a new initiative by President William Ruto.
During the inauguration of the United Nations Nairobi Expansion Project in Gigiri, Nairobi, on May 11, Ruto revealed that the government intends to modify the constitution to establish benefits enabling UN employees and their families to retire and establish themselves in Nairobi following their service tenure.
The Head of State explained that the proposed legal changes aim to guarantee that UN staff residing and operating in the city have a rewarding experience and an option to make Nairobi their permanent residence if they desire.
“We will support your endeavors to ensure that residents and UN families with us enjoy a positive experience living and working from Nairobi,” Ruto remarked.
“We are revising our Privileges and Immunities Act to create opportunities for families and personnel working in Nairobi. Should they consider retiring here, we intend to enhance facilities, and the legislation will offer incentives for you to retire in this magnificent city,” he continued.
Ruto emphasized that this approach represents Kenya’s way of supporting their efforts to ensure a favorable experience in the country.
By 2026, the United Nations maintains more than 6,000 personnel in Kenya alone and employs over 130,000 staff globally.
The 6,000 Kenya-based personnel are spread across 86 offices at the Gigiri complex, with numbers anticipated to increase as additional offices relocate across the nation.
Major organizations are progressively transferring more operations to Nairobi, with intentions to move additional staff from New York by 2026.
Ruto’s initiative now seeks to cater to United Nations retirees, predominantly retiring at age 65. For this proposal to materialize, the Privileges and Immunities section of the Constitution requires modification.
The legislation serves to coordinate and provide legal authority to international agreements concerning diplomatic and consular relations. Presently, it grants immunity from arrest, detention, or prosecution to diplomats while in the country.
It also permits the Cabinet Secretary of Foreign Affairs to confer special immunities and privileges to entities like the United Nations (UN) and its personnel, yet does not provide any specific incentives to the staff members.