Kenya Mobilises African Diplomatic Corps Ahead of Second Africa Urban Forum in Nairobi
Kenya Mobilises African Diplomatic Corps Ahead of Second Africa Urban Forum in Nairobi
Kenya has stepped up diplomatic outreach ahead of the Second Africa Urban Forum (AUF II), scheduled to take place in Nairobi from 8–10 April 2026, urging African missions to champion strong continental participation and strategic partnerships.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting with the African Diplomatic Corps in Nairobi, the Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Alice Wahome, emphasised the urgency of coordinated continental action as Africa urbanises at the fastest rate globally.
By 2050, nearly two-thirds of Africa’s population is projected to reside in urban areas. While urbanisation presents significant opportunities for economic growth and innovation, it also places immense pressure on housing, infrastructure and essential services. Currently, more than 60 per cent of Africa’s urban population lives in informal settlements, underscoring the scale of the continent’s housing deficit.
Hon. Wahome stressed that housing must be approached not solely as a social issue, but as a driver of economic growth, climate resilience and human dignity. She 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).
The Cabinet Secretary noted that the Forum will prioritise strengthening political commitment to affordable housing, promoting climate-smart and resilient human settlements, advancing innovative and blended financing solutions, and deepening partnerships among governments, the private sector, civil society and development finance institutions.
AUF II will culminate in the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration, articulating Africa’s collective position for presentation at WUF 13 and contributing to shaping the global urban policy agenda.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Ambassador Tabu Irina, Deputy Director-General in the AU Regional and Continental Organisations Directorate, the Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Dr. Korir Sing’Oei, reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to multilateral cooperation in advancing Africa’s urban agenda.
He described the Forum, themed “Adequate Housing for All: Advancing Social, Economic and Environmental Transformation towards the Realization of Agenda 2063,” as both timely and necessary in light of rapid urban transformation, climate-induced displacement, infrastructure deficits and rising housing demand across the continent.
The Principal Secretary underscored the importance of Africa speaking with one voice in global urban platforms and reaffirming its commitment to effective multilateralism amid growing geopolitical tensions and financing constraints. He noted that investment in housing stimulates economic value chains, generates employment, strengthens climate resilience and enhances social stability.
Both leaders called upon diplomatic missions to play a catalytic role by advocating within their capitals, facilitating partnerships with development and financing institutions, and ensuring active participation in the Nairobi Forum.
The Government of Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the African Union Commission, UN-Habitat and development partners to deliver a well-coordinated, transparent and impactful Forum.