Africa-Press – Kenya. Alice Wahome, CS for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, speaks during a breakfast meeting with the African Diplomatic Corps in Nairobi on February 11, 2026.
Kenya has stepped up diplomatic outreach ahead of the Second Africa Urban Forum (AUF II), scheduled to take place in Nairobi from April 8-10 2026, urging African missions to champion strong continental participation and strategic partnerships.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting with the African Diplomatic Corps in Nairobi, CS for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development 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,” noted the CS, adding that while urbanisation 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 per cent 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,” she reported.
The CS highlighted 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,” she reaffirmed.
Foreign Affairs PS 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.
Ambassador Tabu Irina, Deputy Director-General in the AU Regional and Continental Organisations Directorate, delivers remarks on behalf of Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sing’Oei.
In remarks delivered on his behalf by Ambassador Tabu Irina, Deputy Director-General in the AU Regional and Continental Organisations Directorate, the PS 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.
“Investment in housing stimulates economic value chains, generates employment, strengthens climate resilience and enhances social stability,” he reiterated.
Meanwhile, 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.
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.
