Kenya has showcased its innovative Affordable Housing financing model on the global stage, presenting it as a practical solution for financing sustainable urban development during a high-level United Nations meeting in New York. The presentation underscored the country’s commitment to delivering inclusive, resilient and well-planned cities while positioning the Affordable Housing Programme as one of President William Ruto’s flagship development initiatives that is transforming lives across the country.
Speaking during the High-Level Meeting on the Midterm Review of the New Urban Agenda, held alongside the 2026 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF), Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat, Ambassador Susan Nakhumicha, said achieving sustainable urbanization requires greater investment supported by innovative financing mechanisms and stronger public-private partnerships. She emphasized that collaboration between governments, the private sector and development partners is essential to unlocking the resources needed to build modern and resilient cities.
Kenya participated in the multi-stakeholder panel themed “Unlocking Delivery: Financing Sustainable Urbanization at Scale,” where it highlighted the progress made under the Affordable Housing Act, 2024. The country showcased how the legal and financing framework has strengthened implementation of affordable housing projects while supporting broader urban development goals through sustainable financing models.
Ambassador Nakhumicha noted that innovative financing approaches and expanded partnerships are enabling Kenya to accelerate housing delivery while ensuring developments are inclusive, environmentally sustainable and responsive to the needs of rapidly growing urban populations. She said the country’s experience demonstrates how policy reforms can attract investment and enhance the delivery of quality housing infrastructure.
The Affordable Housing Programme has emerged as one of the most transformative mega projects under President William Ruto’s administration. Beyond constructing homes, the initiative has become a major economic driver by creating thousands of jobs for engineers, architects, contractors, artisans, suppliers and young skilled workers across the construction value chain. The programme has also stimulated demand for locally manufactured building materials, boosting industrial growth and supporting small and medium-sized enterprises.
The initiative is equally addressing Kenya’s long-standing housing deficit by enabling thousands of low- and middle-income families to become homeowners through affordable and accessible financing options. For many Kenyans, the programme represents an opportunity to transition from renting to owning dignified homes, improving household security while building long-term wealth through property ownership.
Kenya’s presentation at the UN forum reflects growing international recognition of the country’s housing reforms and urban development strategy. By sharing its financing model and implementation experience, Kenya is contributing to global discussions on practical solutions for sustainable urbanization while reinforcing its commitment to the objectives of the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
As the Affordable Housing Programme continues to expand nationwide, it is expected to play an increasingly significant role in shaping Kenya’s urban future. Through sustained investment, strategic partnerships and innovative financing under the Affordable Housing Act, 2024, the government aims to deliver more decent homes, create additional employment opportunities and build inclusive cities, cementing the programme as one of President William Ruto’s defining legacy projects that is changing lives and strengthening the country’s economic transformation.
