Kisumu is set to host the Africa Smart Cities and Townships Alliance (ASCA) Week in August 2026, positioning the lakeside city as a key hub in shaping the future of urban development across the continent.
The high-level event is expected to bring together leaders from Africa and Asia, including policymakers, investors, urban planners, healthcare experts, and technology innovators.
The summit, scheduled for the last week of August, will focus on turning policy discussions into actionable projects, with an emphasis on practical solutions for rapidly growing cities.
Focus on smart and sustainable cities
The forum will address critical challenges facing urban centres, including healthcare access, climate resilience, affordable housing, and digital governance.
Organisers say the event will spotlight smart healthcare systems and sustainable urban planning as cities grapple with population growth and infrastructure gaps.
Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, who also serves as ASCA President, is leading the initiative and has positioned Kisumu as a model for innovation-driven urban transformation.
Driving investment and partnerships
ASCA Week will feature policy dialogues, investment forums, and technical workshops aimed at unlocking financing for urban development projects.
Participating cities and countries will showcase bankable initiatives to potential investors and development partners, with a strong focus on public-private partnerships.
The structure of the event is designed to move beyond discussions and facilitate real investments that can be implemented across cities.
Governor Nyong’o said the alliance provides a platform for collaboration and resource mobilisation across borders.
“It gives cities an opportunity to share knowledge and work together to tackle common challenges such as urbanisation, healthcare access and infrastructure gaps,” he said.
Kisumu’s vision as a medical and innovation hub
Hosting the summit aligns with Kisumu’s broader ambition to become a regional medical city and innovation hub.
Nyong’o said global partnerships will play a key role in achieving this vision, particularly in strengthening healthcare systems and attracting investment into the region.
He added that delegates will visit key development projects across Kisumu to witness how smart city concepts are being implemented on the ground.
Beyond the conference
In addition to formal sessions, the event will include exhibitions, project showcases, and cultural exchanges aimed at strengthening ties between participating countries.
Organisers have also planned networking events to foster long-term collaborations among governments, institutions, and private sector players.
The summit is expected to elevate Kisumu’s profile as a destination for investment and innovation, while contributing to broader continental efforts to build smarter, more resilient cities.
