The Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) has hinted at shutting down its operation in Rotterdam and relocating to Nairobi, Kenya, after the Dutch government announced that it would no longer finance the institution.
GCA is an international organisation that pushes for climate action adoption by promoting policy reforms, influencing investments, and facilitating collaboration between the public and private sectors.
The organisation operates through dual headquarters in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and Nairobi, Kenya, along with a network of regional offices globally.
According to a report from the NL Times, the Dutch government has cited budget cuts but acknowledged its increasing tension with the organisation, which has faced criticism for its close ties with Kenya. The organisation has, however, denied that there are tensions with the Dutch government.
The Dutch government has, however, noted that it has not yet been informed of the planned relocation of the organisation, according to the publication.
In response to reports of relocating to Kenya, GCA told Kenyans.co.ke that it remains in talks with the government of the Netherlands. These talks, according to the organisation, are ongoing and constructive.
"We remain in active discussions on adaptation priorities and continue to work with Dutch institutions and stakeholders, and have been requested to submit new project proposals," Alexandra Gee, Head of Communications at GCA, said.
Earlier this year, GCA's Director Patrick Verkooijen reportedly angered Dutch government officials after he praised President William Ruto's administration, labelling the president as “a true leader in a turbulent world” during a state visit, in a speech that broke protocol.
So far, the United Kingdom government has ended its financial support for the organisation, while, on the other hand, the Gates Foundation is also considering cutting off funding to the organisation.
However, former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged the Dutch government not to cut off ties with the organisations, warning of potential repercussions.
The news of the organisation potentially moving to Kenya comes weeks after the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and UN Women revealed that they will relocate to Nairobi as their base of operations by next year.
These additions will join UNEP and UN-Habitat in Gigiri, making Nairobi one of only four cities worldwide, alongside New York, Geneva, and Vienna, to host multiple UN headquarters.
Furthermore, the World Food Programme (WFP) recently shut down its Southern Africa office in Johannesburg and relocated its East and Southern Africa Hub to Nairobi.
