(Cairo) – Egypt and Kenya are set to collaborate more closely in the field of urban development following a recent meeting between Egyptian and Kenyan officials in Cairo. The meeting, which took place during the 12th edition of the World Urban Forum, brought together Egypt’s Minister of Housing, Utilities, and Urban Communities, Sherif El-Sherbiny, and Kenya’s Minister of Lands, Housing, and Public Works, Alice Wahome. The Kenyan delegation also included Kenya’s Ambassador to Egypt, Fred Otta, and the Egyptian Ambassador to Kenya, Wael Attia.
El-Sherbiny welcomed the Kenyan officials to Egypt, expressing enthusiasm for their participation in the World Urban Forum, which is being held in Africa for the first time since Nairobi hosted the event in 2002. He referred to Kenya as Egypt’s “second home” and emphasized Egypt’s commitment to sharing its urban development expertise with Kenya, as well as with other African countries.
At the heart of the discussions were Egypt’s extensive urban development achievements, particularly in affordable housing. El-Sherbiny outlined Egypt’s “Housing for All Egyptians” program, launched by President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, which has provided over 300,000 well-equipped homes for low-income families in high-risk areas. This program aims to relocate vulnerable residents to modern, safe neighborhoods equipped with essential services and amenities.
The Egyptian Minister also shared details of the country’s ongoing projects in its fourth-generation cities, including the new administrative capital, New Alamein, New Mansoura, and New Aswan. These cities are part of Egypt’s broader vision to modernize and expand its urban landscape. El-Sherbiny discussed investment opportunities in these new urban areas and how Egyptian contractors, developers, and consultancy firms are already playing a significant role in both local and international projects.
In response, Kenya’s Minister Wahome commended Egypt for its remarkable strides in urban development and expressed Kenya’s interest in strengthening cooperation. Wahome noted that Kenya hopes to adopt key aspects of Egypt’s successful strategies to bolster growth in Kenya’s housing and infrastructure sectors. The two nations agreed to explore further opportunities for joint initiatives, including workshops aimed at establishing a framework for their collaboration in urban development.