The UN World Habitat Day 2024 celebrated in Kisumu County yesterday, highlighted the vital role of youth in transforming urban spaces through innovative solutions.
Deputy Governor Dr. Matthew Owili while reading Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o’s speech, expressed gratitude to the UN for selecting Kisumu to host the event, underscoring the city’s capacity for conference tourism.
He acknowledged the growing pressure of rapid urbanization, which has led to high unemployment rates and inadequate housing.
“Kisumu has a population of 1.3 million people, with approximately 600,000 of them living within the city,” the governor said.
With the city’s 30% unemployment rate, he said, there was need for urgent intervention to address the challenges triggered by rapid urbanization.
“We are among the counties benefiting from phase 2 of Kenya’s Informal Settlement Improvement Programme (KISIP2), a Sh.1.4 billion project aimed at upgrading informal settlements into modern residential areas.” Prof. Nyong’o said.
Kisumu, he added, has collaborated with the State Department of Housing and Urban Development, UN Habitat and the Lap fund to successfully implement innovative strategies that actively engage the community, showcasing how meaningful engagement can lead to substantial improvement in urban living conditions.
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“As we mark this day, the time is ticking towards 2050 when cities across the world are envisaged to accommodate about 70% of world population,” Prof. Nyong’o said.
He added, “Urban areas are sitting on a time-bomb fueled by rapid urbanization, and we must plan our cities while focusing on the future we must have together.”
Grace Okara, Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN Habitat, highlighted the day’s importance in providing an opportunity to reflect on collective responsibility to confront the challenges cities face, reaffirming commitment to the right to adequate housing for all.
“As urbanization accelerates, the active involvement of the youth in city planning, design and development becomes essential because they inject fresh perspectives and innovations critical for cultivating vibrant, safe, inclusive urban environment and responsive to our ever evolving needs.” Okara noted.
She commended the Kisumu youth for their ingenuity in tackling the issue of invasive water hyacinth in Lake Victoria, where they transformed the plant into biodegradable materials and organic fertilizers.
“Tackling the complex challenges of urbanization requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders by fostering inclusive dialogue that prioritizes their contributions, we can create cities that are functional, sustainable and equitable.”
Kisumu acting City Manager, Abala Wanga, underscored the importance of urban regeneration, citing ongoing affordable housing projects and informal sector development.
“Where there’s construction, there are many activities for the youth,” he said, adding that youth involvement extends to the county’s greening initiatives.
By Fredrick Odiero
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