President William Ruto has defended Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme, saying it is increasingly gaining global recognition as one of Africa’s leading models for sustainable urban development and inclusive economic growth.
Speaking during the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum at the Baku Convention Center in Baku, Ruto said affordable housing remains one of the biggest priorities for rapidly urbanising regions across Africa and Asia.
“Kenya’s Affordable Housing Programme continues to gain global recognition as one of Africa’s leading models for sustainable urban development, inclusive growth, and social transformation,” Ruto said.
The President noted that by 2050, most urban growth will be concentrated in Africa and Asia, increasing pressure on governments to provide decent and affordable housing.
He argued that addressing the growing housing demand will require reforms in the international financial system to tackle financing inequalities affecting Africa and countries in the Global South.
“Meeting this demand requires reform of the international financial architecture to address financing inequalities affecting Africa and the Global South, even as Africa increasingly commits to financing its own development through stronger African multilateral institutions and domestic resource mobilisation,” he said.
Ruto also defended the Housing Levy, saying locally mobilised resources had enabled Kenya to implement one of Africa’s most ambitious urban transformation programmes.
“We commend the people of Kenya for demonstrating how locally mobilised resources through the Housing Levy can help address the challenges of rapid urbanisation, making Kenya’s housing agenda one of Africa’s most ambitious urban transformation initiatives,” he stated.
The President further said the programme was helping transform informal settlements while creating jobs and supporting businesses across the country.
“Proud to share Kenya’s experience in building climate-resilient communities through affordable housing while transforming informal settlements, creating jobs, and supporting enterprise,” Ruto said.
