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Stakeholders at the second Kenya Urban Forum have called upon county governments to intensify efforts to increase own source revenue to resolve the growing urban development crisis across the country.
Speaking during the second day of the forum held in Naivasha, Nakuru County, the participants expressed concern over the persistent underfunding of urban development initiatives, warning that the continued rural-to-urban migration without corresponding investment in urban infrastructure poses serious threats to sustainable growth.
This even as they acknowledged considerable progress made particularly through the Kenya Kwanza key flagship project, the affordable housing program.
“Own source revenue generated by counties will be instrumental in resolving the unfolding urban development crisis in the country.” The stakeholders noted.
Among the key recommendations from the inaugural Kenya Urban Forum in 2023 was the inclusion of social rental housting as a component of the Affordable Housing Programme which the government says it’s more focused on ownership of the social housing units.
The availability of public land in urban areas has also been cited as a challenge that continues to slowdown the commissioning of affordable housing sites across the country.
The forum held under the theme: “Driving Kenya’s Vision for Urban Transformation through Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable Development” and the tagline “The Future is Urban”, underscores the urgent need to reimagine our cities as engines of national growth.
It was officially opened Tuesday by President William Ruto accompanied by Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Cabinet Secretary Alice Wahome and the Principal Secretary State Department of Housing and Urban Development Charles Hinga.
Additionally, the Forum seeks to share best practices in urban planning and service delivery, strengthen collaboration across levels of government and sectors, localize global urban development goals, including those from the World Urban Forum and COP29 as well as address emerging issues such as climate resilience, urban displacement, and economic inclusion.
Also read https://www.kbc.co.ke/kenya-urban-forum-2025-to-accelerate-transformation-financing/
