Security key to keeping UN office in the country

Kenya has been chosen by the United Nations to host all its member states starting from today. The purpose of the meeting is to inaugurate the United Nations Environment assembly which is part of the United Nations Environmental Programme (Unep).

Unep is the first international UN body to have its headquarters in a developing country. Unep was formed in 1972 at a UN conference in Stockholm, Sweden.

After its inception, member states had been opposed to its formation, arguing it was not necessary at the time because of the cost element, but Kenya, led by its foreign affairs minister at the time, Mr Njoroge Mungai, put up a spirited fight to have its headquarters located in Nairobi, and won against other bidders, namely, India, Mexico, United kingdom and the United states of America.

The bigger powers were not convinced that Unep could serve its purpose well while located in an African country far removed from the UN headquarters in New York.

The headquarters has remained in Nairobi since its formation, although there were secret attempts by some European powers in 2007 to have the offices relocated to France. This move was condemned by Mr Kivutha Kibwana who was Kenya’s Minister for Environment at the time, arguing that the motive was ulterior.

Unep is made up of policy makers, economists, financiers and civil society groups whose main agenda is to design equitable environmental systems in line with its role of caring for the environment and preserving it for future generations.

This is achievable through constantly educating governments and people on conservation efforts. it lays emphasis on the use of the green economy.

The Government should not spare any efforts in reassuring member states that the country is capable of hosting the prestigious UN body in Nairobi.

There still are attempts to have it moved away bover security concerns.