President Dr. William Ruto has presided over the official opening of the Second Africa Urban Forum (AUF2), convened in Nairobi from 8th to 10th April, 2026, where he reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to positioning its urban centres as catalysts for economic growth, innovation, and social inclusion.
The forum brought together a broad spectrum of African leaders, policymakers, urban planners, and development partners to deliberate on the future of urbanisation across the continent, with particular emphasis on the delivery of adequate housing and the advancement of sustainable, inclusive cities.
In his remarks, during a fireside chat for the Head of State and Government, President Ruto highlighted the government’s Affordable Housing Programme as a central pillar of its development agenda, aimed at addressing the national housing deficit while supporting job creation and stimulating economic activity.
Additionally, he underscored the importance of access to decent and affordable housing as a fundamental component of human dignity, noting ongoing efforts to upgrade informal settlements and enhance the quality of life for urban residents through improved infrastructure and essential services.
He further emphasised the need for integrated urban planning approaches that align with national development priorities and broader continental frameworks.
Meanwhile, deliberations at the forum reflected a shared consensus among stakeholders on the urgency of translating policy frameworks into measurable outcomes, with calls for strengthened urban governance systems and more effective implementation mechanisms.
The forum also facilitated discussions on innovative and sustainable financing models to support large-scale housing and infrastructure development, as well as the integration of climate resilience into urban planning processes.
Notably, participants highlighted the importance of partnerships between governments, the private sector, and development institutions in addressing the complex challenges associated with rapid urban growth.
The forum reinforced Kenya’s strategic role in shaping Africa’s urban development agenda and underscored the need for coordinated, action-orientated responses to harness the opportunities presented by urbanisation while addressing its associated challenges.
By Michael Omondi
