United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization's Office in Nairobi, Kenya

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, was established on 16th of November 1945.

As the Regional Office for Science and Technology in Africa, the UNESCO Office in Nairobi assists 47 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa with the definition of relevant policy strategies in Science and Technology, in co-operation with National Commissions and other UNESCO Offices.

As UNESCO Cluster Office, another part of its mission is to assist Burundi, Eritrea, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda in all the various fields of competence of the organization. In addition the office hosts 3 projects: The African Network of Scientific and Technological Institutions (ANSTI), Earth Observation for Integrated Water Resources Management (TIGER), and Programme of Education for Emergencies and Reconstruction (PEER).

The activities of the office is geared towards achieving internationally-agreed development goals like the Millinnium Development Goals (MDGs)and Education for All (EFA). In addition the Office also contributes to the achievement of the objectives of the New Partnership for Africa's Development (NEPAD).

The main objective of UNESCO is to contribute to peace and security in the world by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science, culture and communication in order to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for the human rights and fundamental freedoms which are affirmed for the peoples of the world, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion, by the Charter of the United Nations.
UNESCO has its headquarters in Paris, France, and has Field Offices and units all over the world.

UNESCO Nairobi Office

Established in 1965 as Regional Center for Science and Technology, the Office in 1973 altered its name to: Regional Office for Science and Technology in Africa (ROSTA).
The Office got its present name, UNESCO Nairobi Office, in 1995, in conformity with the current designation of all Field Offices of UNESCO.

Since 2001 the Office is functioning as Cluster Office in all of UNESCO's fields of competence for Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda. However, the Office remains a Regional Office for Science and Technology, covering all of Sub-Saharan Africa.

UNESCO Nairobi Office and Environs

The UNESCO Nairobi Office is situated at the UN Gigiri Complex approximately 10 Km from down-town Nairobi. The entrance is from United Nations Avenue, off. Limuru Road, between Muthaiga and the Village Market.

The UN Gigiri Complex is a big park-like compound, housing many UN offices. For example, UNCHS (United Nations Centre for Human Settlements, or HABITAT) and UNEP (United Nations Environment Programme) have their headquarters here. Other agencies present at UN Gigiri are: UNDP, UNIDO, WFP, UNFPA, UNDCP, WHO, UNAIDS, UNIFEM, UNOPS, UNOCHA and UNICEF. 

Approximately 2000 people go to work at the UN Gigiri Compound every day. Therefore, the security is strict and visitors should always make sure that their host at the complex has informed security, at the visitors pavillion, well in advance.

UNESCO Nairobi office is located in Block C of the UN Complex in the northern part of the complex (ref. Gigiri map). From the main entrance, take the first road left, follow the road through the bend and find block C and the UNESCO Nairobi Office on the right hand side.

Contact us

UNESCO Nairobi Cluster Office
and Regional Bureau for Science and Technology in Africa
P. O. Box 305920 GPO
00100 GPO, Nairobi, Kenya
Telephone: +254 (20)7621 234
Fax: +254 (20)7622 750

Email: nairobi@unesco.org

Web: http://www.unesco-nairobi.org