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Nairobi, Kenya — In a significant move for Kenya’s urban development, Mr. Ming Zhang, the World Bank’s Global Director for the Urban, Resilience, and Land Global Department, made his inaugural visit to Kenya and Africa this week. The visit underscored the ongoing collaboration between the Kenyan government and the World Bank, aimed at advancing key urban and housing projects across the country.
During the high-level meeting, which included key figures from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Zhang and his team engaged in detailed discussions focused on three main areas:
- Status of Ongoing Projects: The meeting reviewed the progress of significant initiatives such as the Kenya Urban Support Programme (KUSP2) and the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project (KISIP2). These projects are pivotal in addressing urban challenges and improving living conditions in informal settlements.
- Pipeline Projects: Future ventures were on the agenda, including the Mombasa Urban Resilience Project and the Kenya Urban Mobility Project. These projects aim to bolster urban resilience and enhance transportation infrastructure in key cities.
- Opportunities in the Housing Sector: Discussions also explored potential new partnerships and investments in the housing sector, reflecting a shared interest in expanding and improving affordable housing solutions.
Mr. Zhang commended the Ministry for its effective implementation of ongoing projects and expressed a strong willingness to deepen the partnership with Kenya. “The progress made on current projects is impressive, and we are keen to explore additional opportunities for collaboration,” Mr. Zhang noted.
The visit also included planned tours of key project sites. Mr. Zhang and his delegation are set to visit the Mukuru kwa Njenga Affordable Housing Project and Embakasi Village, both integral parts of the Kenya Informal Settlements Improvement Project. These site visits will provide firsthand insights into the impact of these projects on local communities.
The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary for Housing Mr. Charles Hinga, Secretary for Urban and Metropolitan Development Eng. Benjamin Njenga, and various technical teams from the Ministry, who collectively showcased Kenya’s commitment to addressing urban and housing challenges.
Mr. Zhang’s visit marks a milestone in the ongoing partnership between Kenya and the World Bank, setting the stage for further advancements in urban development and housing solutions in the region.
