Jobs Boost as Dutch Firm Plans Move to Kenya

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 theNL 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 Dutch government has, however, noted that it has not yet been informed of the planned relocation of the organisation, according to the publication.
Earlier this year, GCA’s DirectorPatrick Verkooijen reportedly angered Dutch government officialsafter 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.
Additionally, the publication claims that after GCA’s director became the head of the University of Nairobi back in 2024, he awarded the University 1.2 million euros (Ksh181 million) in contracts, which many described as a conflict of interest.
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.
This comes weeks after the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), 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.