Why President Ruto Was Invited to the 13th World Urban Forum in Azerbaijan

President William Ruto has arrived in Baku, Azerbaijan, to attend the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum, with State House stating that Kenya’s participation is a recognition of its progress in affordable housing and sustainable urban development.

In a statement on Sunday, State House said Kenya was invited to the global forum due to its growing leadership in urban development reforms and housing programmes aimed at improving living conditions in rapidly expanding cities.

Upon arrival in Baku, President Ruto and First Lady Mama Rachel Ruto were received by Azerbaijan’s Minister of Defence Industry, Vuqar Mustafayev, and Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Kenya, Sultan Hajiyev.

According to the statement, the forum provides Kenya with an opportunity to deepen international cooperation on urban planning, infrastructure development, and sustainable cities.

“On the sidelines of the forum, President Ruto will hold bilateral engagements with Heads of State and investors to strengthen cooperation in energy, ICT and infrastructure development while expanding markets for Kenyan agricultural exports,” the statement reads.

The President is also expected to hold bilateral talks with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev to further strengthen diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries.

The World Urban Forum brings together governments, development partners, and private sector players to discuss sustainable urbanisation, a key issue as cities globally continue to expand at a rapid pace.