Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme has continued to attract international recognition as one of Africa’s leading models for sustainable urban development, inclusive economic growth, and social transformation.
Speaking at the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum held at the Baku Convention Center, Kenyan officials highlighted the country’s efforts in tackling rapid urbanisation through affordable housing and climate-resilient urban planning.
During the session, it was noted that by 2050, the majority of global urban growth will be concentrated in Africa and Asia, making affordable housing one of the defining development priorities of the century.
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The address emphasized that meeting rising housing demands across the continent will require reforms in the international financial architecture to address financing inequalities affecting Africa and the Global South.
At the same time, African nations were encouraged to strengthen domestic resource mobilisation and support African multilateral institutions as part of broader efforts to finance the continent’s development agenda independently.
Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme was commended as a practical example of how locally mobilised resources, particularly through the Housing Levy, can help address the pressures of rapid urbanisation.
The programme was described as one of Africa’s most ambitious urban transformation initiatives, focused on expanding access to affordable housing while improving livelihoods and urban infrastructure.
Speaking on Kenya’s experience, officials noted that the programme is helping to build climate-resilient communities, transform informal settlements, create employment opportunities, and support local enterprise development.
“We commend the people of Kenya for demonstrating how locally mobilised resources through the Housing Levy can help address the challenges of rapid urbanisation,” the statement noted.
The presentation at the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum further reinforced Kenya’s growing reputation as a key player in shaping Africa’s future urban development agenda.
