Kenya and the United Nations are in advanced discussions to establish a major humanitarian logistics hub at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, a move poised to significantly enhance aid operations across Eastern and Southern Africa. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi announced on Saturday, March 29, that the proposed facility aims to streamline humanitarian efforts in the region.

"The Government and the UN are discussing plans for a humanitarian logistics hub at JKIA to coordinate its humanitarian operations in the Eastern and Southern Africa region," Mudavadi stated. He emphasized the scale of the project, noting, "If implemented, this facility, which will be linked to a corridor from Mombasa to Naivasha through Nairobi, will also be the largest in the Global South."

Foreign Affairs CS added that the initiative aligns with Kenya's broader strategy to develop a world-class airport, strengthen its aviation sector, and stimulate socio-economic transformation. The substantial investment and strategic importance of the hub underscore Kenya's growing role in regional and global humanitarian efforts.

The discussions occur amidst a backdrop of regional scrutiny. Recently, Sudan accused Kenya of interfering in its internal affairs after Sudanese opposition forces convened in Nairobi. Sudan’s Foreign Ministry alleged that Kenya violated diplomatic protocols and supported the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), accusing them of committing war crimes. These allegations highlight the delicate balance Kenya must maintain as it engages in regional diplomacy and humanitarian work.

Despite the criticisms, Kenya remains a pivotal player in humanitarian assistance. The UNHCR reports that Kenya hosts approximately 800,000 registered refugees and asylum seekers, primarily from Somalia and South Sudan, housed in the Dadaab and Kakuma camps. This ongoing commitment to providing refuge underscores Kenya's humanitarian responsibilities and capabilities.

In conjunction with the humanitarian hub, the UN plans to expand its presence in Nairobi with a $340 million investment, adding three new global offices by 2026. UN Secretary-General António Guterres affirmed the strategic importance of Nairobi, stating, "We believe Nairobi is an excellent base for our operations. Several agencies have already moved, and others are preparing to relocate."

The combined initiatives—the humanitarian hub and the UN expansion—reflect a significant deepening of the partnership between Kenya and the United Nations, solidifying Nairobi’s position as a key center for international humanitarian and diplomatic operations.