By Shadrack Nyakoe
President William Ruto has called for a significant increase in investments in African cities.
During a gathering of mayors and governors from across the continent convened by the African Mayoral Leadership Initiative (AMALI), he emphasized that transforming cities is critical to achieving the economic strategic trajectory of African nations.
Ruto was joined at the three-day event by Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson, Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku, and Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Shariff Nassir, all of whom are current and future participants in the AMALI City Leadership Programme.
“Africa’s future is urban. However, the type of urban areas we get in Africa is our choice. Depending on the decisions leaders make today, people will either live in smart liveable cities or they will live in slums,” declared President Ruto.
Africa is experiencing an unprecedented wave of urbanisation, giving rise to numerous cities of diverse sizes that have the potential to become economic and cultural hubs across the region.
In Kenya, approximately 30% of the population is in urban areas, a figure projected to increase to 50% by 2030 and 65% by 2050. This rapid urbanisation underscores the need for cities to be well-managed and well-resourced for investments.
Ruto emphasized his commitment to supporting all cities, regardless of party leadership.
During the AMALI retreat, Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson reiterated the critical need for cities to preserve public spaces in the face of rapid urbanisation.
He highlighted the substantial progress made to date, including the reclamation of 47 km of riparian reserves and the ongoing cleaning efforts, carried out by over 20.000 youths.
Sakaja said, “the massive undertaking, supported by President Ruto, to clean up the Nairobi River and create a 27.2 km long greenway that connects the city through pedestrian and cycle paths will improve liveability, promote economic growth, investments and generate jobs.”
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Kajiado Governor Joseph Ole Lenku highlighted his progress to ensuring that children in Kajiado County have access to quality education.
Lenku said, “giving children access to education isn’t just about building schools and hiring teachers though those are critically important. It is also about understanding the barriers that prevent parents from sending their children to school and working with partners from the community level all the way up to the national government to help address them. As more families move from rural to urban areas, we must ensure we are ready to integrate them in our school systems Partners have made significant contributions both financially and through food donations. It’s collective efforts of government, parents and partners that have made it possible.”
