In 2010/11, United Nation agencies gave out contracts worth about $132 million in the eastern Africa Region and projects this will increase to $233 million this year due to the increasing number of UN agencies in Kenya. Nairobi hosts the bulk of UN agencies in the region. Fouzia Abass, the Regional Chief Procurement Officer said $91.2 million worth of business was placed with Kenya suppliers in 2010.

She said this has been on increase from $27.6 million contracts given in 2007. “Each of the UN agencies has specific supplies needed that local producers can provide,” she said. However, many local businesses fail to get the UN supply contracts because they lack knowledge on the procurement procedures or simply flout the rules. Common contracts include catering services, freight forwarding and janitorial services.