Diplomats working at the United Nations (UN) offices in Nairobi are set to enjoy key government services within 12 hours following the opening of a one-of-a-kind facility in Gigiri.
In a statement dated Wednesday, August 31, the Ministry of Interior revealed that the facility will host offices for government agencies such as the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and the Immigration department.
The ministry led by Fred Matiang'i added that the new station was key in delivering services to the diplomatic workers who offer essential services in their country.
"The new GoK-UN Service Center in Gigiri, Nairobi will expedite the processing of visas, work permits and other immigration requirements and vehicle registration and NTSA- related services.
"The centre launched by Matiang'i targets United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) in compliance with specific obligations to countries hosting UN global offices to ease staff access to essential services," read the statement in part.
Speaking at the event, Matiang'i indicated that senior officials in various departments would take charge of operations to ensure that the 12-hour policy is implemented.
He noted that the move would help the country strategically put itself in humanitarian services given the reliance of the other countries on the UN offices based in Gigiri.
"I do not think that there should be any situation when UN staff have to go to town to or NTSA in serve of services relating to their vehicles.
"For the officers, we are seconding here, there is nothing they are coming here to do except serve the workers of the UN. Our eyes will be here to ensure that we offer fast and effective services," the CS stated
Further, the CS acknowledged the tremendous work the diplomatic workers had done and offered citizenship to long-serving workers.
"For those who will stay and work here for seven years, I am ready to give them citizenship. Our constitution allows dual citizenship and the Act gives me the authority to confer citizenship to those who have worked here for seven years and above,' he stated.
The CS was accompanied by his Foreign Affairs counterpart, Raychelle Omamo, PS Karanja Kibicho and the UNON director general Zainab Hawa.
