The United Nations will establish a humanitarian logistics hub at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA), elevating Kenya to the status of the second African nation to host such critical infrastructure.

The establishment of this hub in Kenya is anticipated to facilitate the expeditious delivery of life-saving aid to conflict-ridden regions and areas besieged by humanitarian crises across the continent and other regions in the Global South.

Envisaged as a vital support for regional humanitarian activities, the proposed logistics hub at JKIA is slated to encompass a corridor stretching from Mombasa to Naivasha.

"Positioning the hub in Kenya will expedite the distribution of vital aid to conflict zones and humanitarian hotspots across the continent and beyond," said the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) in a tweet.

Caleb Kositany, Chairman of KAA, underscored the agency's commitment to bolstering humanitarian efforts, stressing JKIA's pivotal role as a major aviation nexus on the continent, adeptly equipped to facilitate the swift movement of humanitarian cargo and personnel throughout the region.

Presently, several other logistics hubs globally, including those in Dubai, Copenhagen, Brindisi (Italy), and Accra (Ghana), are operational.

"The collaboration between the UN Kenya and KAA signifies a proactive stride towards enhancing humanitarian response capabilities within Kenya and beyond, pledging accelerated relief initiatives and life-saving aid to afflicted communities," said the agency.

KAA highlighted key benefits stemming from this collaboration, including the injection of foreign exchange into the economy, employment and entrepreneurial opportunities, enhanced infrastructure, amplified business prospects for the hospitality sector, and the elevation of Kenya's stature as a pivotal multilateral hub and a global nexus of significance.