The global conference, convened by UN-Habitat, will bring together governments, investors, city leaders, civil society actors, and development partners to address the global housing crisis and promote sustainable urban growth.
Kenya is expected to highlight the impact of its Affordable Housing Programme, which the government says has contributed to transforming informal settlements, creating jobs, and supporting entrepreneurship across the country.
In a statement, State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said the forum will also provide an opportunity for Kenya to mobilise partnerships and investments aimed at scaling up the housing programme as well as related urban renewal projects, including the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme.
President Ruto, who has been recognised by UN-Habitat as a global champion for adequate housing, is expected to use the platform to advocate for innovative financing models and reforms in the global financial architecture to boost investment in housing and infrastructure, particularly in Africa.
On the sidelines of the forum, the President is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several Heads of State, investors, and development partners, including the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to strengthen cooperation in sectors such as energy, ICT, infrastructure, and Special Economic Zones.
After the Azerbaijan visit, President Ruto will travel to Astana, Kazakhstan, for a State Visit focused on expanding trade and investment ties in areas including logistics, energy, technology, tourism, financial services, and labour mobility.
During the Kazakhstan visit, he is expected to hold talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and oversee the signing of agreements covering investment, transport, ICT, tourism, and diplomatic cooperation.
The visit is also expected to advance proposals for the establishment of a logistics hub at either the Port of Mombasa or Lamu, alongside tea and coffee trade hubs in Astana, as well as cooperation in nuclear energy, cybersecurity, space technology, and financial services.
