As part of the World Urban Forum 13 (WUF13) held in Baku, international delegates are discussing urban development, affordable housing, and sustainable growth. In an exclusive interview with Fortunamag.az, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Housing Charles Hinga shared his views on the global housing crisis, Azerbaijan–Kenya cooperation, and innovative approaches to solving social challenges.
At the beginning of the interview, the guest expressed his gratitude for the warm hospitality he received in Azerbaijan:
“I would like to thank the people of Azerbaijan for their sincere hospitality. You have a beautiful country, kind people, and a magnificent city. I have fallen in love with Baku.”
The Kenyan minister noted that this was his first visit to Azerbaijan and emphasized that his impressions of the country were extremely positive. He also highlighted the growing relations between Azerbaijan and Kenya:
“Kenya and Azerbaijan enjoy strong relations. Our President was also in Baku and returned home today. We believe that cooperation between our two countries will continue to expand in the years ahead.”
The main focus of the interview was the issue of affordable housing, which is one of the central themes of the forum. According to the minister, billions of people around the world are currently facing housing challenges:
“This forum is primarily dedicated to the issue of housing. Around three billion people worldwide need access to affordable housing. Approximately 1.1 billion people live in informal settlements, while more than 300 million people are completely homeless.”
In his view, one of the greatest challenges lies in financing housing programs:
“Housing construction is extremely expensive. Leaders, financial institutions, and countries that have successfully implemented projects using their own domestic resources have come together here. Forums like this are invaluable for sharing experiences and best practices.”
Speaking about Kenya’s experience, Charles Hinga added:
“We do not have oil and gas resources. But we do have intelligent, hardworking, and creative people. Our formula for success is the effective mobilization of domestic financial resources and confidence in human potential.”
He noted that Kenya is currently implementing a large-scale housing program aimed at improving living conditions for low-income families.
Towards the end of the interview, the discussion turned to the importance of innovation and youth participation in addressing modern challenges. According to the minister, young people are essential in developing new solutions:
“We need to think innovatively. Young people are more creative and often have a different way of looking at challenges. In Kenya, the population is very young, and young people actively participate in these programs because this is their future. International platforms such as the World Urban Forum not only encourage the exchange of experience between countries but also create opportunities for new partnerships to address global urban development and housing challenges.”
The interview was conducted by Saida Musayeva, founder of Fortunamag.az.
Kenya’s Housing Minister Charles Hinga: “Global Cooperation to Address the Housing Crisis Is Growing Stronger”
