Kenya Hosts Africa Urban Forum as Leaders Shift Focus from Talk to Action on Housing Crisis

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Kenya has taken a leading role in shaping Africa’s urban future by hosting the Second Africa Urban Forum, as leaders across the continent push for urgent and practical solutions to the growing housing crisis.

The three-day forum, held at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, has brought together thousands of delegates from over 40 countries. Policymakers, city leaders, investors, and development partners are meeting to address the challenges facing Africa’s rapidly expanding urban centres.

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi set the tone for the discussions by calling for a shift from dialogue to implementation. He emphasized that while conversations are essential, they must now result in tangible and measurable outcomes that improve people’s lives.

President William Ruto officially opened the forum, reaffirming Kenya’s commitment to building inclusive, innovative, and economically vibrant cities. He highlighted the Affordable Housing Programme as a key pillar in addressing the country’s housing deficit, noting its role in job creation and economic growth.

The President also underscored the importance of decent housing as a matter of human dignity. He pointed to ongoing efforts to upgrade informal settlements and expand infrastructure and essential services to enhance urban living conditions.
The forum, convened by the African Union and co-hosted by UN-Habitat, aligns with Agenda 2063 and aims to accelerate access to adequate housing while promoting sustainable socio-economic transformation across Africa.
Throughout the discussions, stakeholders emphasized the need for stronger urban governance, improved planning, and faster policy implementation. There was a shared consensus that Africa must act swiftly to keep pace with its rapid urbanisation.

In a related development, Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi positioned Kenya as a leader in climate financing. He announced a regional proposal to the Green Climate Fund aimed at unlocking investment for urban resilience across 20 African countries. He also cited the Affordable Housing Act as a financing model expected to mobilise billions annually while attracting private sector participation.

However, leaders warned that Africa’s urban growth presents both opportunity and risk. Without proper planning, millions could face housing shortages, climate vulnerabilities, and inadequate services.
Echoing these concerns, Anaclaudia Rossbach noted that Africa’s urban transition is unfolding at an unprecedented pace. She urged governments to treat housing not as a cost burden, but as a foundation for economic growth, resilience, and social stability.
Participants also called for a unified continental approach, urging African nations to negotiate collectively in order to secure predictable and large-scale investment for urban development.
As the forum enters its final stretch, one message remains clear — Africa’s urban future will depend not on promises, but on decisive and sustained action.

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