United Nations in Kenya

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are the goals the UN is working on in Kenya:

Learn more

Take Action

04 August 2020

Visit our COVID-19 Data Portal

Find out what the UN in Kenya is doing in response to COVID-19.

1 of 3

Story

08 March 2021

Kenya Embarks on a Countrywide COVID-19 Vaccination Supported by COVAX Facility

Kenya has received over 1 million doses of the AstraZeneca-Oxford COVID-19 vaccine and immediately launched a countrywide vaccination of its frontline workers. The vaccines were transported by UNICEF as part of the COVAX facility, which aims to provide equitable access to vaccines for all countries around the world. While flagging off the vaccines to be distributed to all health facilities in the country, President Uhuru Kenyatta assured Kenyans that the vaccines are safe and effective, but cautioned against lowering the guard against COVID 19 during the vaccine roll out. “I urge all Kenyans not to drop the guard, lets us not think that since the vaccines have arrived, life will resume normally, we have to continue protecting ourselves by adhering to the measures stipulated by the Ministry of health,” the President said. The UN Resident Coordinator Dr. Steven Jackson says the UN will support the Government to ensure no one is left behind in the distribution of the life saving vaccine. “The goal of COVAX Facility is to redress the unjust imbalance global inequity to ensure that safe effective COVID-19 vaccines are rapidly available and affordable to all countries regardless of income level.” The World Health Organization has indicated that there will be no cost to Kenyans for the AstraZeneca vaccine and called on Kenyans to share verified and factual information on the vaccines The Ministry of Health (MoH) has developed a deployment plan for the vaccines, with healthcare workers and other essential workers including security personnel, being offered the vaccine first. The AstraZeneca-Oxford vaccine, which was manufactured by the Serum Institute of India and made available to the COVAX facility thanks to an advance purchase agreement between Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, and SII, were procured and transported by UNICEF's Supply Division in Copenhagen. The first consignment of 1.02 million doses is part of an initial allocation to Kenya of 3.56 million doses. In addition, UNICEF is providing 1,025,000 syringes and 10,250 safety boxes to Kenya, via a global stockpile funded and supported by Gavi. However, Kenya already has enough in-country stocks of syringes and safety boxes for the first phase of vaccinations.vaccines and to encourage people to get the vaccine as it becomes available to them.

1 of 3

Story

19 February 2021

UNDP Kenya and Ministry of Health Launch Smart Robots to Prevent the Spread COVID-19

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in collaboration with Ministry of Health has launched the piloting of smart anti-epidemic robotic solutions to aid the health response and management of the COVID-19 pandemic in Kenya. As the world contends with the impact of COVID-19 – a highly infectious virus – frontline healthcare workers remain highly vulnerable due to exposure to the virus's transmission. The deployment of the smart anti-epidemic robotic solutions, funded by the Government of Japan, will play an essential role in protecting frontline healthcare workers by limiting direct human-contact with patients. The robots will further support preventive measures and enhance public awareness of COVID-19 preventive measures and generate real-time statistics reports. Speaking at the launch event, the Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Health Hon. Mutahi Kagwe noted that: Digitization is one of the strategies used to combat the pandemic which has proven highly infectious. With this realization, the Government is partnering with UNDP and the Government of Japan, to utilise technology in the COVID-19 health response. The Robotic technology to be deployed at Kenyatta National Hospital and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport will go further in assisting our healthcare in managing the disease." Compelling evidence has shown that the use of technology can accelerate the development of COVID-19 diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. Digital innovations can also strengthen the health and community systems needed to deliver diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines to people in need. The integration of the robots into Kenya’s healthcare system, will enhance the control of infections, prevent transmissions and support the storage of big data to inform decision making, and preparedness, ultimately contributing to the flattening of the infection curve. “The piloting of the smart anti-epidemic robotic solutions is by no means a replacement of the crucial role played by our healthcare workers. Based on lessons from global and regional experiences where UNDP has successfully supported similar initiatives (Rwanda, Equatorial Guinea and India) we hope the introduction of the robotics in Kenya will uncover insights on leveraging technology within the healthcare system. Through an experimental lens, as a long-term investment, we hope to test the impact and effectiveness of robotics in the healthcare and a potential scaled up adoption of similar technologies across more public health facilities. We are keen to leverage this technology to provide an opportunity for the youth in Kenya to gain 4IR skills and hopefully open more employment and entrepreneurship opportunities” said Walid Badawi, Resident Representative, UNDP Kenya. The robotic solutions designed in Belgium and distributed by Zorabots Africa was procured as part of UNDP’s broader support that aims to strengthen Kenya’s COVID-19 response at national and county levels, through an inclusive and multisectoral approach which includes addressing its Socio-Economic Impact. The Government of Japan has provided UNDP in Kenya with funding worth USD 2 million as part of UNDP’s global support to COVID 19 Response, which Kenya is among 60 beneficiary countries. “Improvement healthcare is one of Kenya's policy priorities. And so, the support to this sector with such advanced technology as we are handing over today will no doubt contribute to the great effort currently underway to control COVID-19 in Kenya successfully. I can assure you that Japan will continue to collaborate with Kenya not only in the Health Sector but also in various fields to support the BIG-4 Agenda and thus maintaining our good relationship.” H.E. Ryoichi Horie, Japan Ambassador to Kenya. Besides the smart anti-epidemic robotic solutions, valued at USD 320,000; UNDP also handed over 2 Medical waste microwaves valued at USD 400,000 for Migori and Siaya Counties - these have already been delivered to the hospitals and are currently being installed; PPEs valued at over USD 200,000 to complement further our contribution to partner institutions for the continuity of business in the national response; and, Testing kits valued at over USD 230,000. ### Notes for the editors:
In line with the Secretary-General's mandate for UNDP, as the technical lead on socio-economic response and recovery, UNDP is working closely with the U.N. Resident Coordinator and the U.N. Country Team in Kenya to respond to the Government's requests for socio-economic assessments, support and implementation of the national COVID-19 response and recovery plans. UNDP has put its assets at the disposal of the U.N. system to facilitate a response that builds on the expertise of the entirety of the U.N. System, and provides the integrated policy advice and implementation support required in a development emergency setting. So far, UNDP in Kenya has mobilized over USD 7 million in support of COVID-19 response efforts. The funds have been used to support, among others: Technical leadership support in the drafting and implementation of the UN COVID-19 Socio-economic Response Plan, technical and financial support towards the Government of Kenya national Economic Recovery Strategy led by National Treasury and Planning and the County COVID-19 Social-Economic Reengineering and Recovery Strategy led by the Council of Governors The deployment of 50 U.N. Volunteer frontline health workers to increase response capacity in 14 counties placed in hospitals and medical facilities to counties most in need under our U.N. Joint Devolution Programme implemented in collaboration with our sister agencies UNWOMEN and UNICEF - in partnership with the Ministry of Devolution and ASALs; Procurement of personal protective equipment (PPEs) in support of various government institutions to support business continuity including MoH, EACC, Council of Governors, Ministry of Environment and Forestry amongst others with a focus on buying Kenya and build Kenya also to foster local economic revitalization; Provision of medical waste disposal equipment to facilitate safe management of waste in 13 health facilities across the four counties we are working with under our Global Environment Facility (GEF) support programme in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry Raising awareness, factual information and communication on COVID-19 – including addressing gender-based violence and access to justice through our partnership and collaboration with civil society organizations, the County Assemblies Forum, and County Governments Surfacing and supporting innovations from brilliant Kenyan youth that with the right support can hold the keys to doing development differently and building forward better through the Great COVID Innovation Challenge.

1 of 3

Story

25 June 2021

Public Private Partnership to Accelerate Implementation of the SDGs

The United Nations system in Kenya through the SDG Partnership Platform has signed a strategic partnership with Equity Group Foundation to accelerate the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Kenya by 2030. The strengthened partnership will promote and catalyze investments in the SDGs beyond short term cycles, enabling the UN system in Kenya to reach more people on the ground through Equity’s strong brand in the community, its infrastructure network, development expertise and local knowledge. Additionally, the partnership will promote social and financial inclusion improving economic outcomes for human development and contributing to the socio-economic transformation of Kenya. The coming together of the two institutions will support Kenya’s transition as an emerging Middle-Income country through harnessing innovative partnerships, investments, and financing to accelerate the SDGs for poverty alleviation, and minimizing reliance on aid for transformation of the lives and livelihoods of the Kenyan people. “Equity is joining this alliance as the implementation partner for various social impact initiatives aligned to the SDGs with the end goal of trickling down to the local communities. We will deploy USD 6 billion on the SDG Partnership Platform and we expect 5 million MSMEs to benefit from this financing within the region. We are convinced that these enterprises will create at least 5 jobs each. The engine of job creation is enterprises which will also create market for the raw products from our communities and address the issue of unemployment.” said Equity Group MD and CEO Dr. James Mwangi. Equity Group whose purpose is to transform lives, give dignity and expand opportunities for wealth creation, continues to play a leading role in contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda on the Sustainable Development Goals. Through its regional banking subsidiaries, Equity continues to collaborate with UN agencies in Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda and in other footprint countries. Further commenting during the signing ceremony, Dr. Mwangi, said, “Our existing partnerships with UN agencies have proven to be mutually beneficial to our common objectives of socio-economic development through the transformation of lives and livelihoods. Every time we have collaborated with the UN it has resulted in great outcomes. For instance, alongside UN agencies and Government in our Social Protection work we have supported 3.3 million refugee and vulnerable beneficiaries and provided USD 852 million, as well as capacity building to advance their financial inclusion.” Through the enhanced partnership, Equity will work together with the UN Resident Coordinators Office, the SDG Partnership Platform and the 23 UN agencies with operations in Kenya to accelerate knowledge management for SDG achievement, with training and catalytic investments to facilitate market access and cross border trade across diverse value chains especially for women and youth entrepreneurs for on the development and implementation of Equity’s `Africa Plan for Resilience and Recovery’, in light of the impacts of COVID-19. Arif Neky, Senior Advisor UN Strategic Partnerships and National Coordinator SDG Partnerships Platform commented on the same saying, “This partnership with Equity excites us because many Equity Group Foundation principles are aligned to those of the UN. Working with Equity, we shall connect and catalyze partnerships and investments in the SDGs beyond short term cycles, particularly enabling us to reach the people on the ground through Equity’s network.” The partnership execution strategy will incorporate and involve the larger ecosystem and will transition from policy development to driving on the ground implementation through collaboration with key stakeholders such as Government, NGOs and the private sector. With the prevailing economic trends, Equity continues to lead in supporting development agencies to achieve their objectives within their areas of jurisdiction through disrupting and innovating within the region’s financial sector. Speaking at the launch of the partnership, UN Resident Coordinator for Kenya, Dr. Stephen Jackson said, “Today we mark a milestone with an ambition to scale up and accelerate the opportunities that improve the economy and the lives of Kenyans. This is an exciting opportunity to innovate, co-create and expand opportunities that are targeted to create a world-class public-private model that everyone can emulate around the world.” Dr. Jackson further noted that Kenya has joined the middle-income economies and that donors are now shifting from aid-based support to funding through grants to ensure the achievement of Kenya’s Vision 2030 Goals. “By partnering with Equity, we now can offer tremendous value to the local communities. We have identified sub-sectors and discovered that there are growth opportunities across various market segments,” added Dr. Jackson. Equity has a unique position of co-designing evidence-based socio-economic interventions informed by insights from a customer base of 15 million clients and by leveraging on the Group’s bespoke implementation model which combines Equity’s ability to apply its commercial infrastructure and sunk capital to deliver efficient and impactful social impact programs, thus guaranteeing a high return on social impact investments. “Equity has focused to grow its partnerships and champion collaborations with like-minded partners to further our purpose, which is to champion the economic transformation of Africa. We have confidence and trust in the UN system, which has a proven track record of building a brand of care and empathy and whose focus is on people centered initiatives just like Equity,” added Dr. Mwangi.

1 of 5

Story

07 June 2021

How UNDP and the Kenyan government are collaborating to restore ecosystems

We are marking the World Environment Day under extremely difficult circumstances. The globe is reeling from the impacts of Covid-19, arguably one of the worst ever pandemics. It is also enduring the devastating impacts of climate change that continues to push the world as we know it, to that dreaded point of no-return. Even as we applaud the efforts by various stakeholders that respond to these twin challenges of our generation, more work is still required to surmount the dynamic problems and put the world on a path to recovery. On this 30th anniversary year of our seminal 2020 Global Human Development Report, entitled, “The Next Frontier: Human Development and the Anthropocene”, UNDP calls for “nothing short of a great transformation in how we live, work and cooperate”, to change the path we are on. The report explores how to jumpstart that transformation to avert the climate crisis and the biodiversity collapse in a manner that is quite consistent with the theme of this year’s World Environment Day. That important and urgent call for ecosystem restoration recognises the central role of nature-based solutions in reversing the cumulative negative impacts of anthropogenic actions. Indeed, the call for ecosystems restoration is an urgent one, not only in Kenya but the world over. Ecosystems support all forms of life – human life, wildlife, and biodiversity. Protecting ecosystems preserves and protects all life on earth. The year 2021 is an important one. It marks the launch of the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration, coming at a time when the world races to restore degraded and destroyed ecosystems to fight the climate crisis and enhance food security, water supply and biodiversity. These three aspects are important as they affect all facets of human health and the entire life system that depends on them. The UN believes that rallying everyone – governments, individuals, corporations, and the public – to actively participate in restoring our ecosystem, will reverse the negative effects of climate change and eventually heal our planet. We specifically see a very important role for youth to be involved as stewards of this future, that is steadily sliding down a perilous path. Marshalling the energy, innovation, strength, ingenuity, and the positivity within our youth will help us get sustainable solutions to these dynamic challenges. As part of our commitment to involving youth in the development agenda, UNDP is glad to launch its Green Economy Youth Activation Programme (GrEYAP), which seeks to place youth at the very centre of this ecosystem restoration journey, harnessing the power of technology to plant more trees, while creating sustainable businesses across the tree-planting and tree-growing value chain. It is important to note that the UN applauds the strides that Kenya has taken in participating in the restoration of the various ecosystems. Kenya has made various national, regional, and international commitments to ensure that the country contributes to this call of restoration. The Government of Kenya is committed to contributing towards the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (which is being launched on this World Environment Day). Among others, Kenya has made commitments to the Africa Forest Landscape Initiative (AFR100) and has updated its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). Kenya has also developed, and is implementing, the National Action Programme on the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) since ratifying the convention in 1997. These efforts are a clear demonstration of the country’s commitment towards restoration of forest resources and increasing the forest cover to the constitutional requirement of 10 percent. The 10 percent tree cover strategy guides the government’s activities toward restoration of 5.1 million hectares of deforested and degraded forests, and other landscapes, by 2022. In addition, in December 2020, Kenya raised its ambition from 30 percent to 32 percent greenhouse gas emission reduction by the year 2030 as part of its renewed commitment to ecosystem restoration in the update to its NDC. The Government has also submitted its Land Degradation Neutrality targets to the United Nations Convention on Combating Desertification (UNCCD). These are not just simple statements. They demonstrate clear commitment by the Government to sustainable development. UNDP in Kenya works towards helping the Government to tackle climate change, to slow and indeed reverse deforestation trends, increase sustainable farming, and halt the illegal trade of endangered wildlife, which will eventually contribute to ecosystem restoration. UNDP’s implementation of programmes such as the REDD+ Readiness Project, Sound Chemicals Management Project, the NDC Support project and the GEF Small Grants Programme, affirm its commitment to Kenya’s quest for sustainable development. UNDP’s support draws upon our extensive portfolio of expertise across priorities such as energy, forests, water, resilience, agriculture, health, youth, finance, governance, gender equality and green jobs. It also builds upon UNDP’s established track record in supporting governments in over 170 countries to design and deliver sound technical assistance, capacity building and important normative instruments for sustainable development. UNDP sees nature-based solutions as essential responses for tackling multiple development challenges: The climate and biodiversity loss crises, inequality and poverty, insecurity, and migration. Restoration and nature-based solutions can deliver one-third of the ecosystem restoration needed by 2030 and achieve all the 17 SDGs. UNDP works to increase government, business and public support for biodiversity conservation, accelerating the actions necessary for systemic change and achievement of global biodiversity goals. As such, UNDP will continue to support the Government of Kenya in domesticating the various Multilateral Environmental Agreements, including the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and its Paris Agreement, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and the Nagoya Protocol, among others. UNDP will further support the government in the formulation of various policies and regulations that sustain Kenya’s leadership globally, regionally and nationally in the area of sustainable development. I call on all of us to take advantage of this World Environment Day to make a choice to take actions that will restore our degraded ecosystems before it is too late.

1 of 5

Story

25 June 2021

President Uhuru Kenyatta Gives a roadmap to accelerate national efforts to end gender-based violence and female genital mutilation

As a global co-leader of Generation Equality’s Action Coalition to end gender-based violence (GBV), Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta unveiled the country’s plans to end of gender-based violence by 2026. At an event co-hosted by UN Women and the Government of Kenya, a series of commitments have been formulated into the policy brief “Kenya’s Roadmap to advancing gender equality, ending all forms of gender-based violence and female genital mutilation by 2026.” The brief contains 12 commitments under four areas for concerted action, aligning with the global blueprint for Generation Equality’s Action Coalition on Gender-Based Violence. The strategy is backed by a significant increase in funding, dedicating US$23 million by 2022, increasing to US$50 million by 2026. President Kenyatta cited the spike in gender-based violence during the country’s lockdown as evidence to act now: “Last year, as part of our COVID-19 response efforts, I directed the National Crime and Research Centre to investigate gender-based violence in the country. The resultant survey established that cases of gender-based violence had increased by 92 % from the previous year. This is now a national crisis that we must urgently address.” To strengthen national policy frameworks on GBV programming, the brief also signals funding towards gender-based research and the introduction of a module on gender-based violence into the country’s 2022 Demographic Health Survey – the country’s leading source of health-related statistics. Services for survivors of violence will be integrated into the country’s Universal Health Coverage Package by 2022. There will be a drive to ensure GBV recovery and shelters in all Kenya’s 47 counties by 2026. Beyond funding and service, commitments also include ratifying and implementing the ILO Convention 190 on gender-based violence and harassment in the workplace; and dedicating a module on GBV data in the country’s 2021/2022 Demographic Health Survey. These commitments reflect the overall scale-up of and strengthening of an enabling policy environment to eliminate GBV. One in five girls in Kenya has undergone female genital mutilation (FGM) and the event recognised 22 youth activists who have been leading the country’s fight against FGM across the country. Rebeccah Batwesi, 27, was one of those recognised for her work in Western Kenya. Last year she established a community-based organisation called ‘Save a Child Initiative’ in South Mugirango, 300km west of Nairobi. “This area is a hotspot for FGM, the perpetrators are usually retired nurses. We are rescuing girls from FGM and sexual violence. We take them to a safe house where they can receive psychosocial therapy. So far, we have rescued thirty-five girls from FGM. There is one safe house that serves a community with a population of 60,000 people. We need to raise awareness in the community, and we need the government to provide more security, services and increase survivors’ access to justice.” UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka welcomed Kenya’s leadership at the event stating: “It is now 26 years since the landmark Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. Generation Equality is accelerating the Beijing Platform for Action, the Sustainable Development Goals and building back better from the ravages of COVID-19. Progress has been made, but public rhetoric on gender equality has not been matched either by action or by funding…Yet today, Kenya has responded to the call to action. Kenya partners with member states Iceland, the United Kingdom and Uruguay to head Generation Equality’s Action Coalition to end gender-based violence.” The momentum of Generation Equality will continue to Paris, France where member states, women’s rights organizations, civil society, and the United Nations will share their commitments with one voice, for the first time globally. Read more about Kenya’s commitments to end gender-based violence. The Generation Equality Forum taking place in Paris from 30 June to 2 July will see world leaders and activists coming together to make game-changing commitments under six Action Coalitions and the Generation Equality Compact on Women, Peace and Security and Humanitarian Action. These global, multi-stakeholder partnerships will create impact for women and girls everywhere through catalytic initiatives and investments to bridge the most critical and persistent gender equality gaps.

1 of 5

Story

24 May 2021

Kenyan Peacekeeper wins United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year 2020 Award

A Kenyan peacekeeper, who recently completed her assignment in Darfur, Sudan is selected to receive the 2020 United Nations Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award. Military Gender Advisor Steplyne Nyaboga, 32, who served in the recently ended United Nations - African Hybrid Union Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), will receive the award during a virtual ceremony presided over by Secretary-General António Guterres, marking the International Day of UN Peacekeepers on Thursday, 27 May 2021. Created in 2016, the United Nations “Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award” recognizes the dedication and efforts of an individual military peacekeeper in promoting the principles of UN Security Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security in a peace operation context, as nominated by Heads and Force Commanders of UN peace operations. Upon receiving the award, Major Nyaboga expressed happiness that her work in mainstreaming gender dimensions was recognized. Reflecting on her role as a peacekeeper, she says: “I am so elated that our efforts in serving humanity have impact and didn’t go unnoticed. Peacekeeping is a human enterprise: placing women and girls at the center of our efforts and concerns will help us better protect civilians and build a more sustainable peace.” Major Nyaboga deployed to the UNAMID mission in February 2019. Throughout her two-year deployment in Zalingei, she worked diligently to mainstream gender in military components by bringing awareness to gender dynamics in the field. Major Nyaboga specifically encouraged gender-sensitive outreach to local communities, in an effort to enhance the protection of civilians. She also focused on gender training for her fellow military peacekeepers, training nearly 95 per cent of the UNAMID’s military contingent by December 2020. She also advised the Force on how to better identify and integrate the needs of men, women, boys and girls groups in vulnerable contexts into UNAMID’s analysis, planning and operations, a move that greatly improved the mission’s understanding of and response to protection needs. Working together with human rights, gender and communications colleagues, Steplyne also organized campaigns and workshops for staff and civil society activists to address issues affecting Darfuri women and girls. Secretary-General António Guterres commended Major Nyaboga for her award. “Peace and security can only be achieved and sustained if all members of society have equal opportunities, protection, access to resources and services and can paricipate in decision-making,” he said. “Through her efforts, Major Nyaboga introduced new perspectives and increased awareness of crucial gender dimensions across the Mission and helped strengthen our engagement with Darfuri women. The United Nations remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that women sit at the political table and make their full contributions to peace, and Major Nyaboga’s dedication has advanced the vital clause,” he added. This is the first time that a Kenyan peacekeeper has received this prestigious award. * * * * About the awardee: Staff Officer Major Steplyne Nyaboga began her military career in 2009 as a Signal Radio Troop Commander, reaching the Brigade level in 2011 at age 22. In 2013, she was in charge of managing and instructing Kenya’s Defence Force recruits, eventually reaching the level of Senior Instructor in 2017. As a Senior Instructor, she commanded the Communication wing; she held this post until she was nominated for deployment in UNAMID as a Gender and Child Protection Officer. Note to the editors: The Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award is underpinned by the principles outlined in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (UNSCR 1325) and follow-on resolutions on women, peace and security. The resolutions call on actors to mainstream a gender perspective in all aspects of peacekeeping and peacebuilding and to ensure women’s participation in peace and political processes. They also call for the protection from and prevention of conflict-related sexual violence and for an expansion of the role and contribution of women in UN operations, including of uniformed women peacekeepers.
Find out more about the previous award winners here: https://peacekeeping.un.org/en/gender-advocate-of-year-award * * * * Media contacts: Sophie Boudre Department of Peace Operations Tel.: +1 (917) 691-5359 E-Mail: boudre@un.org Douglas Coffman Department of Global Communications Tel.: +1 (917) 361-9923 E-Mail: coffmand@un.org Newton Kanhema (for requests in Kenya) UN Information Centre in Nairobi Tel.: +254 207 621102 - Mobile: +254 709 021102 E-mail : kanhema@un.org

1 of 5

Story

30 April 2021

United Nations Supporting Kenya's Post COVID-19 Industrial Recovery and Growth to Achieve Inclusive and Sustainable Growth

As the COVID-19 pandemic threw global supply chains into disarray, the Kitui County Textile Center (KICOTEC) spotted an opportunity amidst the crises. KICOTEC rapidly shifted from its traditional business of manufacturing garments to making masks and personal protective equipment (PPEs) to meet rapidly rising demand. The factory not only met the urgent need for COVID prevention supplies but employed additional youth and women at a time when most companies were shutting down. KICOTEC's pioneering production of PPEs buttressed the textile and apparel sector, contributed to Kenya's economic recovery, and modeled local production of affordable, high-quality PPEs meeting local and international standards. Boosting domestic manufacturing is one of President Kenyatta's 'Big Four' priorities to steer Kenya to sustainable economic growth and ‘Vision2030.’ It has huge potential to attract investment, create employment, stimulate growth, and linkages to all other sectors of the economy. KICOTEC's example, and many like it, show that however tragic and impactful the COVID-19 pandemic has been, it offers innovative opportunities too. To drive Kenya's post-COVID-19 industrial recovery and growth, the Government of Kenya requested the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) to roll out its "Programme for Country Partnership" (PCP) model in Kenya as a "self-starter country." PCP is an innovative approach supporting countries to accelerate inclusive and sustainable industrial development by focusing on sectors with high growth potential. It directly advances Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 9: "Build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation." In addition, it strongly contributes to all the other 16 SDGs. Achieving the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda requires pooling resources and expertise, channeling public and private expertise, encouraging public and private investments together towards high-growth industrial sectors. During the launch of the PCP, President Uhuru Kenyatta remarked that Kenya aims to attract more than USD 30 billion in manufacturing investments over the next 5 years. "My Administration will continue to support establishing Industrial Parks and Special Economic Zones that will provide a competitive platform for industrial development. Kenya has the potential to develop Agro-processing facilities in 41 out of 47 counties that provide the opportunity for Kenyan goods and products to enter the largest global market with competitive products," he said Kenya selected UNIDO's innovative PCP model after noting its success in Ethiopia and Senegal amongst PCP pilot countries in Africa. In both countries, the PCP model aligns directly with national planning priorities to achieve larger development goals. As of 2020, Ethiopia had leveraged USD 1.8 billion through its PCP. There, purpose-built Integrated Agro-Industrial Parks (IAIPs) have been the main catalyzers of investments and partnerships. The four IAIPs have already created about 21,000 jobs, including more than a quarter for women. Almost 18,000 smallholder farmers have been supported with extension services, capacity building, market access, and technology transfers as well. As of 2020, Senegal's PCP had already mobilized more than USD 800 million in public and private investments. The Special Economic Zones (SEZ) reform and incentive packages developed with UNIDO's support has encouraged companies in Senegal to establish factories that have already created over 4,000 jobs. Kenya's first anchor PCP project will be on a 280-acre parcel of land in Nyamira County. It will complement other current UNIDO projects targeting agro value chains, investment promotions in the textile, leather, energy and environment sectors. Other investment opportunities that are envisaged, include open information and communications technologies, digitalization, and the "green" and "blue" economies. The industrial zones will be backed with intensified initiatives on trade promotion, investment and quality infrastructure, research, and policy. Together, and inspired by the opportunities identified by KICOTEC and many companies like it, these efforts will drive Kenya's Post- COVID industrial recovery and growth. Come to think of it: as Kenya rolls out its National COVID-19 vaccinations (with UNICEF and WHO support), shouldn't the domestic production of PPEs inspire us to still greater heights of ambition? What is to prevent us together to building a domestic capacity to manufacture the COVID-19 vaccine and others like it, to future proof us against pandemics now and to come? A great opportunity to build our self-reliance and resilience!

1 of 5

View all

Press Release

07 May 2021

Statement from the Executive Director of UNAIDS, Winnie Byanyima on the decision by the United States of America to support the TRIPS waiver for COVID-19 vaccines

5 May 2021 I applaud the announcement from United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai supporting the waiving of intellectual property protections for COVID-19 vaccines. This is the kind of global leadership the world desperately needs as we witness horrific scenes in countries like India, where only nine in 100 people have been vaccinated. To date, more than 1.1 billion doses of vaccines have been administered globally, but more than 80% of those have been administered in high- and upper-middle-income countries, while just 0.3% have been administered in low-income countries. We are in a race to vaccinate the majority of the world’s population to curb death tolls and before more potent variants of COVID-19 emerge, rendering current vaccines ineffective. The faster we can scale up global vaccine supply, the faster we can contain the virus and the less chance we will face a day when variants prove resistant to existing vaccines. As the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has said “no one is safe until everyone is safe”. The TRIPS waiver would enable the sharing of technologies, data, know-how, patents and other intellectual property rights across the world. The announcement of the US administration sends a powerful signal to the rest of the G7 and to the European Union to also support the World Trade Organization TRIPS Waiver and inspire other countries to take a powerful stand in favour of people before profits. This remarkable position from the US government is a fundamental step towards a People’s Vaccine. To ensure everyone, everywhere has access to a lifesaving vaccine, we also need to see a pooling of technology through the World Health Organization’s COVID-19 Technology Access Pool, as well as financing to help build a network of vaccine manufacturing in developing countries. These three actions can together build a sustainable system to vaccinate the world, reach the needed herd immunity and open the paths to make the world best prepared for future pandemics. As we have learned from 40 years of fighting AIDS, equitable access to medical technologies is critical both for saving lives and for decreasing the impact of infectious diseases on people, communities and nations. We are grateful to President Biden and his Administration for the generous humanitarian pledges made on COVID-19 and for today’s announcement. UNAIDS The Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) leads and inspires the world to achieve its shared vision of zero new HIV infections, zero discrimination and zero AIDS-related deaths. UNAIDS unites the efforts of 11 UN organizations—UNHCR, UNICEF, WFP, UNDP, UNFPA, UNODC, UN Women, ILO, UNESCO, WHO and the World Bank—and works closely with global and national partners towards ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals. Learn more at unaids.org and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube

1 of 5

Press Release

16 May 2021

Joint statement by the Government of Kenya and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees: Dadaab and Kakuma Refugee Camps Roadmap

President Uhuru Kenyatta met today with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi in Nairobi to discuss issues surrounding refugees and asylum seekers in the region, as well as receive a briefing on the status of Kakuma and Dadaab refugees camps, following the UN High Commissioner for Refugees’ meetings with Cabinet Secretaries Dr. Fred Matiang’i and Amb. Raychelle Omamo. This meeting comes in the wake of the Government’s communicated intention to work toward the closure of the refugee camps in Kenya. A joint team comprising officials from the Government and the UN agency will therefore be formed to finalize and implement a roadmap on the next steps towards a humane management of refugees in both camps. The roadmap, which was presented to the Government of Kenya in the beginning of April, includes voluntary return for refugees in safety and dignity, departures to third countries under various arrangements, and alternative stay options in Kenya for certain refugees from East African Community (EAC) countries. “We are serious about completing the repatriation programme which we started in 2016, in full view of our international obligations and our domestic responsibility. We therefore reiterate our earlier position to close both Dadaab and Kakuma camps by 30 June, 2022,” said Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i. The Government of Kenya and UNHCR agree that refugee camps are not a long-term solution to forced displacement and are committed to working together to find alternative solutions that are in line with the responsibility sharing principles and goals of the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR). “I believe that the Government and people of Kenya will continue to show their generous hospitality towards refugees as they have done for nearly three decades, while we carry on discussions on a strategy to find the most durable, appropriate and rights-based solutions for refugees and asylum-seekers residing in the refugee camps in Dadaab and Kakuma,” said the UN High Commissioner. “Closure of the camps must be seen as an aspiration. We are not chasing people away, but a camp is not a permanent thing. It is a place of limbo. No one should live in a place of uncertainty or indignity generation after generation. What we are now working on is how to achieve this cooperatively which is in line with Global Compact on Refugees,” said Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amb. Raychelle Omamo. High Commissioner Grandi welcomed the government’s continued commitment to the GCR during this process. “I am reassured by the government’s assurances that they will continue to provide protection and services for asylum-seekers and refugees in Kenya while various solutions are pursued.” Among the precursory activities contained in the government’s roadmap is a unanimous resolution that was recently endorsed by ambassadors and representatives from East African countries which have a mutual diplomatic relationship with Kenya when they met a delegation led by Interior Cabinet Secretary, Dr. Fred Matiang’i. “Refugees from East African countries will be given the option of being issued a work permit for free so that they can integrate into Kenyan communities or return to their country of origin,’’ said Dr. Matiang’i. Digital verification of Kenyans currently also registered as refugees is set to begin in due course. This will inform the issuance of appropriate documentation to Kenyan citizens and ensure their removal from the refugee database. Kenya has shouldered the burden of sheltering refugees for almost three decades, and the swelling camps have overstretched their capacity to host populations. The government has also expressed grave concerns over the security of both Kenyans and refugees at the camp. There are currently 433,765 refugees living in Dadaab and Kakuma camps.

1 of 5

Press Release

17 May 2021

Country Level Food Systems Dialogues in Kenya

Building healthier, more sustainable, and equitable food systems are recognized as a powerful and essential requirement to deliver on all SDGs. The term “food system” refers to the constellation of activities involved in producing, processing, transporting, and consuming food. Food systems touch every aspect of human existence. The health of our food systems profoundly affects the health of our bodies, as well as the health of our environment, our economies, and our cultures. When they function well, food systems have the power to bring us together as families, communities, and nations. But too many of the world’s food systems are fragile, unexamined, and vulnerable to collapse, as millions of people around the globe experienced first-hand during the COVID-19 crisis. When our food systems fail, the resulting disorder threatens our education, health and economy, as well as human rights, peace and security. As in so many cases, those who are already poor or marginalized are the most vulnerable. Some countries and regions face unique circumstances, which can increase their vulnerability. In 2021, UN Secretary-General António Guterres will convene a Food Systems Summit as part of the Decade of Action to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. With only 10 years remaining, many of the 17 SDGs remain far out of reach. In many cases, unsafe or unsustainable food systems are part of the problem. The UN Food Systems Summit will serve as a turning point in the world’s journey to achieve all the SDGs. We know what we need to do to get back on track: Scientists agree that transforming our food systems is among the most powerful ways to change course and realize the vision of the 2030 Agenda. Rebuilding the food systems of the world will also enable us to answer the UN Secretary-General’s call to “build back better” from COVID-19. We are all part of the food system, and so we all must come together to bring about the transformation that the world needs The need is urgent, and our ambition is high. The UN Food Systems Summit will launch bold new actions, solutions and strategies to deliver progress on all 17 SDGs, each of which relies to some degree on healthier, more sustainable and equitable food systems. The Summit will awaken the world to the fact that we all must work together to transform the way the world produces, consumes and thinks about food. “We believe in a world where healthy, sustainable and inclusive food systems allow people and planet to thrive. It is a world without poverty or hunger, a world of inclusive growth, environmental sustainability and social justice. It is a resilient world where no one is left behind.” Said AGNES KALIBATA, Special Envoy for the UN Food Systems Summit

1 of 5

Press Release

17 May 2021

Country Level Food Systems Dialogues in Kenya

1 of 5

Press Release

22 January 2021

Upholding Human rights is Key to Recovering Better from COVID 19

COVID 19 pandemic has greatly disrupted the world’s global economy and day today lives of individuals. It has not only affected the health sector, but it also the social, economic and development sectors. It has however had a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups including frontline workers, people with disabilities, older people, women and girls, and minorities. While marking Human Rights day, Civil society Organizations noted that the pandemic had thrived because poverty, inequality, discrimination, the destruction of our natural environment and other human rights failures have created enormous fragilities in the society. “We are witnessing increased cases of sexual gender based violence, police brutality and enforced disappearances continue calling for accountability while the space for civil society continue shrinking” said the Director of Kenya Human Rights Commission. While delivering the message by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, the UN Resident Coordinator, Siddharth Chatterjee said More than seven decades on, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights provides an essential framework for the world to “recover better” from the COVID-19 pandemic “People and their rights must be front and centre of response and recovery. We need universal, rights-based frameworks like health coverage for all, to beat this pandemic and protect us for the Day and every day, let’s resolve to act collectively, with human rights front and centre, to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and build a better future for all”. Civil society activities said the universal Human Rights Declaration remain relevant today as it was at its adoption by the UN General Assembly on 10 December 1948, as the framework to guide States in promoting, protecting and fulfilling human rights for all people during these uncertain times. “Like Climate change emergency, COVID19 reminds us that we are bound together as one humanity, we can build a world that is more resilient, sustainable, and just." said the Special Adviser to the UN Resident Coordinator, Ms. Li Fung. Also present at the event held at the University of Nairobi were the UK special Minister for African Affairs, James Duddridge, the Chair of Working Group on Human Rights Defenders, Stian Christensen, Deputy Ambassador of Sweden Caroline Vicini who called for gender equality and rights of women to be upheld if the sustainable development goals are to be achieved. ` The theme of Human Rights Day 2020 is “Recover Better – Stand Up for Human Rights”, highlighting the need to build back better from the COVID-19 crisis by putting human rights at the heart of recovery efforts. This is a call to action and for unity of purpose to tackle discrimination, address inequalities, encourage participation and solidarity, and promote sustainable development for the benefit of all.

1 of 5

View all