President William Ruto has left Nairobi for Baku, Azerbaijan, to attend the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), where Kenya will present its Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) as a model for sustainable urban development and economic transformation.
The high‑level forum, convened by UN‑Habitat, brings together governments, investors, urban planners, civil society organisations, and development partners to deliberate on solutions to the global housing crisis. Kenya’s invitation reflects growing international recognition of its housing agenda, which the government says has transformed informal settlements, created jobs, and opened opportunities for small businesses.
According to State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, President Ruto will use the forum to advocate for innovative financing models and reforms aimed at unlocking greater investment in housing and infrastructure across Africa. “Kenya has been invited in recognition of its leadership and success in affordable housing and sustainable urban development,” he said.
Ruto is expected to address delegates in his capacity as UN‑Habitat’s global champion for adequate housing, an honour conferred on him following progress recorded under Kenya’s housing programme. The forum will also provide an opportunity to mobilise partnerships and investments to scale up urban renewal initiatives, including the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme.
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On the sidelines of WUF13, the President will hold bilateral talks with Azerbaijan’s leader, Ilham Aliyev and other partners, focusing on cooperation in energy, ICT, infrastructure, and Special Economic Zones. The discussions are also expected to explore expanded markets for Kenyan agricultural exports.
After concluding engagements in Azerbaijan, Ruto will travel to Astana, Kazakhstan, for a State Visit aimed at deepening economic and diplomatic ties. He will meet President Kassym‑Jomart Tokayev and oversee the signing of agreements covering investment, transport, ICT, tourism, and diplomatic cooperation.
State House said the visit will advance plans for a logistics hub at the Port of Mombasa or Lamu to strengthen trade connectivity between Kenya and Central Asia. The two countries are also expected to explore cooperation in tea and coffee trade, nuclear energy, cybersecurity, space technology, and financial services.
“The visit will advance plans for a logistics hub at the Port of Mombasa or Lamu, tea and coffee hubs in Astana, and cooperation in nuclear energy, cybersecurity, space technology, and financial services,” Hussein Mohamed noted.
By Masaki Enock
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