Nairobi, Kenya (Daily Report KE) — Kenya has intensified diplomatic engagement ahead of the Second Africa Urban Forum (AUF II), set to take place in Nairobi from April 8–10, 2026, urging African missions to rally strong continental participation and strategic partnerships.
Speaking during a breakfast meeting with the African Diplomatic Corps in Nairobi, Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Alice Wahome underscored the urgency of coordinated continental action as Africa urbanises at the fastest rate globally.
Africa’s Rapid Urban Shift
By 2050, nearly two-thirds of Africa’s population is projected to live in urban areas. While the shift presents opportunities for economic growth and innovation, it also places significant strain on housing, infrastructure and essential services.
Currently, more than 60 percent of Africa’s urban population resides in informal settlements, highlighting the scale of the housing deficit across the continent.
Wahome emphasized that housing should not be viewed solely as a social concern but as a catalyst for economic growth, climate resilience and human dignity.
“Adequate housing is central to unlocking inclusive development and sustainable cities,” she said, describing AUF II as Africa’s premier platform for consolidating a unified continental position on housing and urban development ahead of the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF 13).
Nairobi as Urban Diplomacy Hub
Kenya was selected by the African Union Commission to host AUF II in recognition of its policy leadership in housing and urban development.
Nairobi’s role as a global center for urban diplomacy — hosting both UN-Habitat and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) — also strengthened its bid.
The Forum will focus on:
- Strengthening political commitment to affordable housing
- Promoting climate-smart and resilient human settlements
- Advancing innovative and blended financing solutions
- Deepening partnerships among governments, private sector players and development institutions
The meeting will culminate in the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration, which will articulate Africa’s collective position ahead of WUF 13 and contribute to shaping the global urban policy agenda.
Call for Unified African Voice
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Ambassador Tabu Irina, Deputy Director-General in the AU Regional and Continental Organisations Directorate, Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs Dr. Korir Sing’Oei reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to multilateral cooperation in advancing Africa’s urban transformation.
He described the Forum — themed “Adequate Housing for All: Advancing Social, Economic and Environmental Transformation towards the Realization of Agenda 2063” — as timely amid rapid urban expansion, climate-induced displacement, infrastructure deficits and rising housing demand.
Sing’Oei stressed the importance of Africa speaking with one voice on global urban platforms, particularly in an era marked by geopolitical tensions and financing constraints.
He noted that investment in housing stimulates economic value chains, creates employment, strengthens climate resilience and enhances social stability.
Both leaders urged diplomatic missions to advocate within their respective capitals, facilitate partnerships with development finance institutions and ensure active participation at 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 coordinated and impactful Forum.
