Kisumu hosts first National Urban Forum held outside Nairobi.

“Through several lobbies by the Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o, we are working around the clock to ensure that the small embarrassing section of the Kisumu Boys Mamboleo Junction is sorted out soon. We must give Kisumu Governor all the support to make Kisumu ready for Africities, ” CS – Ministry of Transport, Infrastructure Housing and Urban development, James W Macharia said.

On his part, the Governor remarked that his government is striving to provide an acceptable, sustainable, equitable and just motorized transport system in his quest to modernize Kisumu. He cited the ongoing Non – motorized transport ( NMT ) project whose purpose is to widen footpaths, cycling lanes, open drainages, underground cabling and beautification of the city.

“As a county we are moving our traders from the streets and providing for them a conducive business environment for them to trade at Uhuru Commercial Complex ” said Governor Nyong’o. “There are benefits in this as traders can access loans to boost their business in such set ups.”

“As we appreciate that Kenya is urbanizing faster than most countries we must appreciate the benefits that will trickle by rejuvenation and reinvention of Kisumu Port. This will not only be the best inland port across Africa but will also provide the best tourism session for visiting guests with the urge to navigate across the East Africa shores not to mention 2021 Africities delegates that Kisumu is geared to host next year with massive support from the National government.” Concluded the Governor.

Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o was with the CS. James Macharia, H.E Lee Kinyanjui, PS. Charles Hinga, UN Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Sharif and a host of other national and county leaders at the National Urban Forum | Grand Royal Swiss Hotel, January 27th, 2020

The forum’s agenda was to establish a common agenda ahead of the 10th World Urban Forum that will be held in Abu Dhabi,UAE as well as provide a platform for all stakeholders to share knowledge and practices on how urban areas can be planned, build and managed.

Nakuru County boss, who is also the chair of Urban Development, Housing, Planning, Energy, Infrastructure and Lands Committee for the Council of Governors said there is need to establish a framework to facilitate access to adequate decent housing and prepare urban plans for sustainable development stating that proper planning will help largely to avoid emergence of slums given the speedy growing population in urban areas.

He reiterated the need for County Governments to ensure planners perform their duties diligently to have sustainable development in the country.

“The County Government of Nakuru is looking forward to be at the core of urban development both nationally and globally,”said the Governor

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure Housing and Urban Development Mr. James Macharia who officiated the meeting said better and modern urban areas will ensure growth in the county’s economy, better health care as well as increased life expectancy.

The conference contributed to sustainable urban development and implementation of global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 11 on sustainable cities and communities.

This year’s forum is themed cities of opportunities, Connecting Culture and Innovation under the New Urban Agenda (NUA) where culture is placed at the forefront on current debates on urbanization.

Also in attendance were Kisumu Governor Prof.Anyang’ Nyong’o, Housing Principal Secretary Charles Hinga, UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimunah Sharif and a host of other national and county leaders.