Kenya has showcased its affordable housing financing model at a high-level United Nations forum, highlighting the country’s efforts to accelerate sustainable urban development through innovative financing and public-private partnerships.
The presentation was made during the High-Level Meeting on the Midterm Review of the New Urban Agenda, held alongside the 2026 High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) in New York.
Kenya highlights affordable housing progress
Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat, Ambassador Susan Nakhumicha, said the country has made significant progress in implementing its affordable housing programme under the Affordable Housing Act, 2024.
She noted that financing remains a critical component in delivering sustainable, inclusive and resilient cities capable of meeting the needs of rapidly growing urban populations.
Nakhumicha said Kenya’s housing agenda demonstrates how governments can use innovative financing mechanisms to expand access to decent housing while supporting long-term urban development.
Photo caption: Kenya’s Permanent Representative to UN-Habitat, Ambassador Susan Nakhumicha, addresses delegates during the High-Level Meeting on the Midterm Review of the New Urban Agenda in New York.
Call for stronger partnerships
Addressing delegates, Nakhumicha emphasized the need for stronger collaboration between governments, the private sector, development partners and financial institutions to mobilise investment for urban infrastructure.
She said innovative financing models, together with expanded public-private partnerships (PPPs), will play a key role in delivering sustainable cities and improving the quality of life for urban residents.
According to the ambassador, achieving the goals of the New Urban Agenda will require coordinated efforts to unlock financing and accelerate sustainable urbanisation on a larger scale.
Kenya shares financing model
During the multi-stakeholder panel titled “Unlocking Delivery: Financing Sustainable Urbanization at Scale,” Kenya outlined the progress it has made in implementing its affordable housing and urban development agenda.
The country highlighted the Affordable Housing Act, 2024, as a key policy framework supporting housing delivery while encouraging private sector investment and long-term infrastructure development.
Nakhumicha said Kenya’s experience demonstrates that innovative financing solutions and strategic partnerships can help bridge the funding gap needed to deliver resilient, inclusive and sustainable cities.
Photo caption: Delegates attend the United Nations High-Level Meeting on the Midterm Review of the New Urban Agenda, where Kenya presented its affordable housing financing strategy.
Supporting sustainable urban growth
Kenya reiterated its commitment to advancing the objectives of the New Urban Agenda by promoting investment, strengthening partnerships and adopting financing models that support sustainable urban growth.
The government said continued collaboration among public institutions, development partners and private investors will be essential in expanding access to affordable housing while building cities that are resilient, inclusive and economically competitive.
