Kenya pushes for continental unity ahead of Africa Urban Forum

MICHAEL OMONDI-KNA

Kenya has intensified diplomatic outreach ahead of the Second Africa Urban Forum (AUF II), scheduled to take place in Nairobi from 8th to 10th April 2026, urging African missions to promote strong continental participation and forge strategic partnerships.

Speaking at a breakfast meeting with the African Diplomatic Corps in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Alice Wahome, emphasized the urgency of coordinated continental action as Africa urbanizes at the fastest rate in the world.

“By 2050, nearly two-thirds of Africa’s population is projected to live in urban areas,” the CS noted, adding that while urbanization presents significant opportunities for economic growth and innovation, it also places immense pressure on housing, infrastructure, and essential services.

Wahome disclosed that currently, more than 60 percent of Africa’s urban population lives in informal settlements, underscoring the scale of the continent’s housing deficit. 

She further stressed that housing must be approached not solely as a social issue, but as a driver of economic growth, climate resilience and human dignity.

Additionally, the CS described AUF II as Africa’s premier platform for consolidating a unified continental position on housing and sustainable urban development ahead of the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF 13).

“Kenya was selected by the African Union Commission to host AUF II in recognition of its policy leadership in housing and urban development, as well as Nairobi’s standing as a global centre for urban diplomacy, hosting both UN-Habitat and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),” she reported.

Equally, the CS highlighted that the Forum will prioritise strengthening political commitment to affordable housing, promoting climate-smart and resilient human settlements.