UN-Habitat Executive Director Mme Maimunah Mohd Sharif recently met with Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Amb. Dr. Monica Juma. The Executive Director also met with Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development Hon. James Macharia.

During the two meetings held separately, Mme Maimunah reaffirmed UN-Habitat’s commitment towards supporting Kenya government’s priorities as outlined in the national frameworks including the Vision 2030 and the MTP3. The Executive Director also stated UN-Habitat’s readiness to support President Uhuru Kenyatta’s “Big Four Agenda”, especially Pillar 3 of the agenda that aims at delivering 1million affordable and low cost housing units for Kenyans adding that “as the human settlements and housing focal point agency within the United Nations family, UN-Habitat is willing to provide technical support in the delivery of affordable and low cost housing for Kenyans”.

Mme Maimunah added that the Habitat Country Programme Document for Kenya (2018-2021) is a critical tool for coordination of country level activities as well as for resource mobilization.

While congratulating the Executive Director on her new appointment, Housing Cabinet Secretary James Macharia added that the meeting was timely, an indication that Mme Maimunah was keen on listening to government before embarking on her new appointment. Cabinet Secretary James Macharia was also informed of UN-Habitat’s country level programmes which are implemented through funding from Kenya, Japan, and Sweden among other donors.

Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amb. Monica Juma reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to strengthening UN-Habitat in Nairobi adding that “UN-Habitat’s presence in Nairobi is an important driver for implementation of the New Urban Agenda in Kenya.”

During both meetings, the Executive Director was accompanied by Naison Mutizwa-Mangiza, Director of Regional Office for Africa.