Alice Wahome, CS for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, speaks at a breakfast meeting with the African Diplomatic Corps in Nairobi on February 11, 2026.
Kenya has stepped up its diplomatic outreach ahead of the second African Urban Forum (AUF II) scheduled to be held in Nairobi from 8 to 10 April 2026, urging African missions to champion the continent’s strong participation and strategic partnership.
Speaking at a breakfast meeting with the African Diplomatic Corps in Nairobi, Alice Wahome, CS for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, emphasized the urgency of concerted action across the continent, as Africa becomes the fastest urbanizing region in the world.
“By 2050, almost two-thirds of Africa’s population is projected to live in urban areas,” the CS noted, adding that while urbanization presents huge opportunities for economic growth and innovation, it also puts enormous pressure on housing, infrastructure and essential services.
Mr Wahome revealed that more than 60 per cent of Africa’s urban population currently lives in informal settlements, underscoring the scale of the continent’s housing shortage.
He further emphasized that housing must be addressed not just as a social problem, but as a driver of economic growth, climate resilience and human dignity.
The CS further stated that AUF II is Africa’s premier platform to strengthen a unified continental position on housing and sustainable urban development ahead of the 13th 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 and Nairobi’s status as a global center for city diplomacy, hosting both UN-Habitat and the UN Environment Programme,” she reported.
The CS emphasized that the Forum will prioritize strengthening political commitment to affordable housing, promoting climate-smart and resilient human settlements, promoting innovative and blended financing solutions, and deepening partnerships between governments, the private sector, civil society, and development finance institutions.
“AUF II will culminate in the adoption of the Nairobi Declaration, which will clarify the pan-African position for presentation at WUF 13 and contribute to shaping the global urban policy agenda,” she reaffirmed.
Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sin-Oei reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to multilateral cooperation in advancing Africa’s urban agenda.
He said the forum, themed “Decent Housing for All: Driving social, economic and environmental transformation to realize Agenda 2063”, was timely and necessary given rapid urban transformation, climate displacement, infrastructure deficits and growing demand for housing across the continent.
Ambassador Tav Irina, Deputy Director-General of the AU Regional and Continental Organizations Directorate, gave an address on behalf of Foreign Affairs PS Korir Sin-Oei.In remarks made on behalf of Ambassador Taboo Irina of the AU Directorate-General for Regional and Continental Organizations, the PS stressed the importance of Africa speaking with one voice at the Global Cities Platform and reaffirming its commitment to effective multilateralism in the face of rising geopolitical tensions and funding constraints.
He reiterated that “investment in housing stimulates economic value chains, creates jobs, strengthens resilience to climate change and enhances social stability.”
Meanwhile, the two leaders called on diplomatic missions abroad to play a catalytic role by advocating within the capital, promoting collaboration with development and financial institutions, and ensuring active participation in the Nairobi Forum.
Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to work closely with the African Union Commission, UN-Habitat and development partners to provide a well-coordinated, transparent and impactful forum.
