Kenya Champions Global Drive for Adequate Housing at UN Summit

Kenya has assumed a leading role in advancing the global agenda on adequate and affordable housing. On September 24, 2025, at the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York, His Excellency President William Ruto officially launched the Global Championship for Adequate Housing.

The launch was attended by the Presidents of Botswana and Ghana, whose participation affirmed Africa’s united resolve to confront the housing challenge. The roundtable further drew the participation of Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, France, Rwanda, and other partners, reflecting broad international recognition that access to decent housing is central to sustainable development.

In his address, President Ruto called for the full implementation of UN-Habitat Resolution 2/7 and presented Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme as a model of progress. He outlined the policy and legal framework underpinning the initiative, including the Affordable Housing Act of 2024, strategic use of public land, and the Housing Levy that  aims to expand access to dignified housing while driving economic growth.

The President further proposed the establishment of a Champions’ Initiative for Adequate Housing , a permanent coalition of committed nations to mobilize high-level political will, secure financing from international institutions, and uphold accountability in the delivery of housing commitments.

The proposal was welcomed by participating leaders, culminating in the adoption of a collective Call to Action. This outcome represents a significant step forward in global cooperation and positions Kenya, together with its African and international partners, to shape the housing agenda.