Ruto heads to Baku, Azerbaijan to sell Kenya’s housing model on global stage

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President William Ruto has departed for Baku, Azerbaijan, to attend the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), where Kenya is expected to showcase its Affordable Housing Programme (AHP) as a model for sustainable urban development and economic transformation.

‎The high-level forum, convened by UN-Habitat, will bring together governments, investors, urban planners, civil society organisations and development partners from across the world to discuss solutions to the global housing crisis.

‎Kenya’s invitation to the global forum comes amid growing international recognition of the country’s affordable housing agenda, which the government says has transformed informal settlements, created thousands of jobs and opened up opportunities for small businesses and entrepreneurs.

‎According to a statement issued by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed, President Ruto will use the forum to advocate for innovative financing models and reforms aimed at unlocking more investments in housing and infrastructure across Africa.

‎“Kenya has been invited in recognition of its leadership and success in affordable housing and sustainable urban development,” the statement said.

‎The government noted that the World Urban Forum will also provide an opportunity for Kenya to mobilise partnerships and investments to scale up the Affordable Housing Programme and urban renewal initiatives, including the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme.

‎President Ruto is expected to address delegates in his capacity as the global champion for adequate housing, an honour conferred on him by UN-Habitat following the progress recorded under Kenya’s housing programme.

‎“President Ruto will advocate innovative financing models and reforms to the global financial architecture to unlock greater investment in housing and infrastructure across Africa,” Hussein Mohamed said.

‎On the sidelines of the summit, the Head of State is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with several Heads of State, investors and development partners. Among the key meetings lined up is an engagement with Ilham Aliyev aimed at strengthening cooperation between Kenya and Azerbaijan in sectors such as energy, ICT, infrastructure and Special Economic Zones.

‎The talks are also expected to focus on expanding markets for Kenyan agricultural exports.

‎After concluding his engagements in Azerbaijan, President Ruto will travel to Astana, Kazakhstan, for a State Visit aimed at deepening economic and diplomatic ties between Kenya and Kazakhstan.

‎During the visit, President Ruto will hold bilateral talks with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and oversee the signing of agreements covering investment, transport, ICT, tourism and diplomatic cooperation.

‎State House said the visit will further discussions on the establishment of 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 stated.

‎The visits are expected to position Kenya as a strategic investment and trade partner while reinforcing the government’s push to market the country’s affordable housing programme on the global stage.