H.E. Amb. Nakhumicha Wafula, E.G.H.
Head of Mission
About the mission
About the Kenya Permanent Mission in UN-Habitat
Kenya's Permanent Mission in UN-Habitat represents the Republic of Kenya at the international organisations seated there.
Kenya's Permanent Mission in UN-Habitat is the Republic of Kenya's delegation to the international organisations seated there.
It advances Kenya's positions across the multilateral agenda, works with partner delegations on shared priorities, and reports to the Ministry of Foreign & Diaspora Affairs in Nairobi.
About this mission
Who we are
Our mission
To advance and promote the interests of Kenya with respect to the negotiations on substantive human settlement and governance aspects of UN-Habitat.
Our vision
To be a champion for all matters pertaining to strengthened international relations with a particular focus on the promotion of sustainable urbanization and human settlements matters.
Our values
- Patriotism
- Team Spirit
- Commitment
- Professionalism
- Discipline
- Integrity
- Equity
- Respect of Nature
Our history
- 1978
The Permanent Mission of Kenya to Habitat was established in 1978 as a fully-fledged Mission accredited to Habitat with its first Permanent Representative as Amb. Margaret Kenyatta and its physical offices initially situated at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre.
- 1978
The founding of the Mission resulted from the establishment of the United Nations Centre for Human Settlements (commonly referred to as “Habitat”) in 1978 with its Secretariat headquartered in Nairobi, Kenya.
- 2009
In 2009, the Government of the Republic of Kenya consolidated the Permanent Missions to UNEP and UN-Habitat under the leadership of a single Ambassador/ Permanent Representative.
- 2013
Kenya’s interest and engagement on the work and matters of UN-Habitat were managed by Kenya’s Permanent Mission to UNEP and UNON until December 2013.
- 2014
In August 2014, the Government of the Republic of Kenya decided to re-establish a fully-fledged Mission to UN-Habitat, accrediting it to UN-Habitat with an Ambassador/ Permanent Representative as the Head of the Mission.
What we do
- Working in partnership with other member states to enhance UN-HABITAT with a view to fulfilling its functions and roles as the principal UN body in the field of urban and human settlement matters. In particular, the Mission articulates, promotes, projects and protects, at the international level, the national interests of Kenya by advancing strategic interests at UN- Habitat.
- Undertaking representation functions within the UN system as a Permanent Mission accredited to UN-HABITAT.
- Providing synergetic support to the technical focal points within the Government of Kenya, in particular: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development, the County Governments and the Council of Governors as well as the National Habitat Committee.
- Facilitating policy by engaging with other diplomatic missions within the context of Committee of Permanent Representatives (CPR) at UN-HABITAT.
- Bringing critical environment issues to the attention of decision-makers at all relevant levels of the Government of Kenya
- Keeping abreast with the international agreements and outcomes that Kenya is party to with a view to advancing and articulating national positions on them
- Liaising with the Group of 77 and China as well as the African Diplomatic Corps (ADC) with a view to developing common positions on urban and human settlements matters.
To perform diplomatic, representational and multilateral duties on behalf of the Government of Kenya with the secretariat of the UN-Habitat, missions and diplomatic embassies accredited to the UN-Habitat and other relevant international entities.
Heads of mission
Those who have served
- 2025–PresentCurrent
Amb. Nakhumicha Wafula E.G.H
- 2024–2025
Amb. Grace A. Okara
- 2021–2024
Amb. Jean W. Kimani
- 2019–2020
Amb. Njambi Kinyungu
- 2016–2018
Amb. Anthony Andanje
- 2014–2016
Amb. Sam Ongeri
- 2012–2014
Amb. Martin Kimani
- 2010–2012
Amb. George Owuor
- 2009–2010
Amb. Macharia Kamau
- 2003–2009
Amb. Solomon Karanja
- 2001–2003
Amb. D.K.A Kikaya
- 1997–2000
Amb. Mary D. Odinga
- 1986–1997
Amb. Pamela Mboya
- 1976–1986
Amb. Margret Kenyatta
Our work
Kenya at UN-Habitat
The Kenya Permanent Mission represents the Republic of Kenya before UN-Habitat and the other bodies of the international system seated in UN-Habitat. We carry Kenya's positions into negotiations, defend our national interests and work with partner delegations to shape decisions that reach far beyond any single capital.
The bodies we represent Kenya in
See where we focus →The people
Our team
Mission leadership
Ambassador Beatrice Karago
Deputy Permanent Representative
For Kenyans abroad
Diaspora
Answers
Common questions
Can the Permanent Mission help with passports, visas or other consular services?
No. A Permanent Mission represents Kenya at the international organisations seated in UN-Habitat and has no public consular counter. For consular services, use Find a mission to reach the Kenyan embassy or high commission that serves you.
I have lost my passport, what should I do?
If you need to travel soon, apply for an Emergency Travel Document. If you are in danger or distress, call the 24/7 consular line first.
Get in touch
Contact us
Enquiry sent
Thank you. We have logged your enquiry under reference and will reply by email within 2 working days.
In an emergency abroad? Do not wait for an email reply. Call the 24/7 consular line on +254 20 331 8888.
Good to know
Before you visit
What to bring
- Your booking reference (book online before you come).
- A valid passport or national ID, and a photocopy.
- The supporting documents for your service.
- Proof of any eCitizen payment for the service.
- Arrive about 10 minutes early, with a pen.
If you live far from UN-Habitat, ask the mission about honorary consuls or mobile consular clinics near you.
When we're closed
The mission observes Kenyan public holidays and the local public holidays of Kenya.
Kenyan public holidays
- 1 JunMadaraka Day
- 10 OctUtamaduni (Huduma) Day
- 20 OctMashujaa Day
- 12 DecJamhuri Day
- 25–26 DecChristmas and Boxing Day
- 1 JanNew Year's Day
- VariesGood Friday, Easter Monday and Eid