Ruto flies to Azerbaijan to showcase Affordable Housing programme
President William Ruto has jetted off to Baku, Azerbaijan, to represent Kenya at the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum.
The high-profile global gathering, organized by UN-Habitat, offers Kenya a prime platform to present its ambitious Affordable Housing Programme as a model for tackling urban challenges. Leaders, investors, and development partners from around the world will converge to discuss solutions to the pressing global housing shortage and ways to foster sustainable cities.
Kenya aims to showcase how its housing initiative is already delivering results by upgrading informal settlements, generating employment opportunities, and boosting local entrepreneurship. The government views the forum as a strategic opportunity to attract new partnerships and funding to expand the programme further. Additional focus will go toward urban renewal efforts, such as the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Project, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to creating livable and inclusive cities.
Recognized by UN-Habitat as a global champion for adequate housing, President Ruto is expected to push for fresh financing strategies and changes in the international financial system to support housing and infrastructure projects, especially across Africa. While in Baku, he will engage in bilateral talks with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and other key figures to explore collaboration in energy, technology, infrastructure, and special economic zones.
Following the forum, the President will proceed to Kazakhstan for a state visit aimed at deepening trade and investment links. Discussions there will target sectors including logistics, energy, tourism, and technology, with proposals for new trade hubs and enhanced cooperation on advanced areas like nuclear energy and cybersecurity. These engagements underscore Kenya’s proactive diplomacy in positioning itself as a hub for innovation and economic growth on the continent.
