Urban development, particularly housing, remains a focal point at the World Urban Forum.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled to take place in May 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, is set to bring together global leaders to discuss and address the critical issues surrounding urban development. Among the key topics on the agenda is the housing crisis, particularly in Nairobi, Kenya.
Kenya's Urban Growth and Housing Deficit
Kenya's urbanization rate of 3.8% is significantly higher than the global average of 1.7%, leading to a population growth of 2% per year in urban centers. This rapid urbanization has put a strain on the housing market, with a demand for 250,000 homes per year but only a supply of 50,000 units annually. Nairobi's population has more than doubled since 2002, from 2.38 million to 5.7 million.
Solutions for Nairobi's Housing Crisis
While specific solutions for Nairobi's housing crisis at WUF13 have yet to be detailed, ongoing efforts in Kenya offer a glimpse into potential solutions. These include:
- Green Affordable Housing Funds: The European Investment Bank is backing Kenya's first green affordable housing fund with €21.5 million. The initiative aims to build energy-efficient homes, such as the IHS Kenya Green Housing Fund, providing affordable housing while reducing environmental impact.
- High-Rise Residential Apartments: To address the housing shortage, there has been a shift towards high-rise apartments, which help increase housing stock more efficiently.
- Innovative Mortgage Models: Alternatives to traditional mortgage enforcement pathways, such as mortgage-to-rent and mortgage-to-own, are being explored to help preserve value and promote homeowner dignity.
- Infrastructure Development and Urban Planning: Emerging real estate hotspots are driven by infrastructure development and changing lifestyle preferences. Mixed-use developments combining retail, residential, and office spaces are transforming urban living and boosting property values.
- Sustainable Solutions: Ensuring access to adequate housing, land, and basic services is crucial for sustainable urban growth. This approach aligns with broader global discussions on sustainable urban development.
Azerbaijan's Urban Reconstruction and Climate Change Focus
Azerbaijan, which is set to host COP29 in 2024, is expected to focus on climate change's impact on urban development after the conference. A major reconstruction and rehabilitation programme is underway in Azerbaijan, with over 10 billion US dollars already allocated for the programme. This initiative is particularly important due to the return of internally displaced persons, necessitating an urgent need for housing and infrastructure.
The theme of WUF13, "Housing the World - safe and resilient Cities and Communities," reflects the global emphasis on creating sustainable, resilient urban environments. This is expected to be one of the key topics during the WUF, particularly given that the Forum will take place on the eve of the World Environment Day 2026, also to be held in Azerbaijan in June 2026.
Moreover, a pioneer summit for heads of states and governments focusing on urban planning for global development is expected to be a key component of WUF13. The National Coordinator of WUF13, Anar Guliyev, has a good working relationship with Alice Wahome, CS for Lands, Public Work and Housing in Kenya, which will see Kenya play an important role in WUF13.
Over 1.1 billion people live in informal settlements worldwide, and WUF13 has a critical role in presenting diverse solutions for safer cities. The forum promises to be a platform for sharing best practices, discussing challenges, and collaborating on innovative solutions to urban development issues, with a particular focus on housing.
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