President William Ruto highlighted Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme as among the best pan-African beneficiaries of sustainable city development, inclusive growth and transformation during the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum in Baku.
Speaking before the assembled delegates at the Baku Convention Center, President Ruto said affordable housing has now become one of the defining priorities of the world.
“By 2050, most urban growth will be concentrated in Africa and Asia, making affordable housing one of the defining priorities of our time.” he said
The President stated that to meet the increasing need for housing, reforms to the international financial architecture is needed if the inequalities in the provision of finance which is impacting Africa and other countries of the Global South are to be addressed.
African countries are generating increased scope for financing their own development through emerging African multilateral institutions and increased efforts toward domestic resource mobilisation.
President Ruto appreciated the Kenyans for their unwavering support for the Housing Levy, noting that the funds mobilised within the country are enabling the country to manage urbanisation at a fast rate while facilitating People to Own Homes.
The Head of State said Kenya’s experience demonstrates how affordable housing can serve as a powerful tool for economic empowerment and sustainable urban growth while improving the quality of life for millions of citizens.
