Nairobi, Kenya — The Global Centre on Adaptation (GCA) has signaled it may close its operations in Rotterdam and relocate fully to Nairobi after the Dutch government announced it would no longer fund the organisation.
GCA is an international body focused on advancing climate adaptation by promoting policy reforms, influencing investment decisions, and fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors.
It currently operates dual headquarters in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and Nairobi, Kenya, alongside several regional offices worldwide.
According to a report by NL Times, the Dutch government cited budget constraints in its decision to withdraw funding, while also acknowledging growing friction with the organisation, which has faced criticism in the Netherlands over its close ties with Kenya. GCA has denied that it is at odds with the Dutch authorities.
The Dutch government has said it has not yet been formally notified of any plans by GCA to relocate its headquarters, the report added.
Responding to the reports, GCA said it remains engaged in discussions with the Dutch government, describing the talks as 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,” said Alexandra Gee, GCA’s Head of Communications.
Earlier this year, GCA Director Patrick Verkooijen reportedly drew criticism from Dutch officials after praising Kenyan President William Ruto during a state visit, calling him “a true leader in a turbulent world” in remarks that were said to have broken diplomatic protocol.
The organisation has already lost funding from the United Kingdom, while the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is reportedly considering ending its financial support as well.
Former United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has urged the Dutch government to reconsider cutting ties with GCA, warning of possible negative consequences.
Speculation about GCA’s potential move to Kenya comes amid a broader shift of international organisations toward Nairobi. Recently, UNICEF, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and UN Women announced plans to relocate their operations to the Kenyan capital by next year.
Once the moves are completed, these agencies will join UNEP and UN-Habitat in Gigiri, cementing Nairobi’s status as one of only four cities globally alongside New York, Geneva, and Vienna to host multiple UN headquarters.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has also recently closed its Southern Africa office in Johannesburg and moved its East and Southern Africa hub to Nairobi.
This article was first published on Kenyans.co.ke
