Africa’s urban transition is unfolding at an unprecedented pace. While the continent remains the least urbanised globally, it is experiencing the fastest rate of urban population growth worldwide, with an average annual surge exceeding 3.5 per cent. By 2050, approximately two-thirds of Africa’s population will live in urban areas, demanding massive investments in new housing stock.

This pressing challenge took centre stage at the Second Africa Urban Forum (AUF2), held at the KICC in Nairobi from 8th to 10th April, 2026. Convened under the theme “Adequate Housing for All: Advancing Socio-economic and Environmental Transformation towards the realization of Agenda 2063,”the continental platform focused on the political commitments, financing, and policy pathways required to address Africa’s housing deficits.

Officially opening the forum, H.E. President William Ruto, highlighted the strides made under the National Affordable Housing Programme, noting that more than 270,000 affordable housing units are currently under construction across over 200 sites nationwide. Beyond putting roofs over heads, these projects have created over 640,000 jobs, restored human dignity, and curbed land fragmentation.

The Inseparable Link: Housing and Transport

NaMATA participated in the event from the audience and the exhibition floor, anchoring its presence on a fundamental urban planning truth: housing and mass transit are inseparable.

A residential development functions most effectively when its occupants can safely, affordably, and efficiently access the rest of the city. Unlocking the full socio-economic value of affordable housing requires integrated transport infrastructure that prevents community isolation and lowers daily commuting costs.

This is where Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) becomes the critical link. TOD is an urban planning strategy that builds the city around mass transit—like commuter rail stops or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lanes—rather than private cars. By keeping high-density residential developments within a standard TOD zone—roughly 400 to 800 metres from a transit station (an ideal 5-to-10-minute walk)—the metropolitan area can reduce traffic gridlock, lower household transport costs, and protect agricultural land from sprawl.

At the NaMATA exhibition booth, team members engaged with visitors to share insights on how mass transit frameworks can support these growing residential nodes to build a highly functional metropolitan area.

Moving From Blueprint to Reality

In Kenya, this structural link between the National Affordable Housing Programme and transit infrastructure is already transitioning from policy blueprints into live projects within the Nairobi Metropolitan Area, closely aligned with national development agendas:

• Mass Rapid Transit Systems (MRTS):Under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), NaMATA is working to ensure high-capacity mass transit frameworks serve high-density housing corridors. This includes planning for clean e-mobility options, such as electric buses, to provide sustainable transport access to these new residential communities.
• The Mowlem TOD Scheme:Located in Embakasi West, this Sh18 billion project represents Kenya’s first official TOD affordable housing scheme. Developed by the State Department for Housing and Urban Development in partnership with Kenya Railways, this 4,900-unit development is situated near the Dandora Commuter Rail Station, showcasing how housing and mass rail transit can be seamlessly paired.
• Nairobi Railway City Masterplan:Designated as a Special Planning Area and a Project of Strategic National Importance, this landmark 425-acre multi-modal transit hub will integrate between 10,000 and 20,000 affordable and student housing units directly around the Nairobi Central Railway Station, creating an integrated urban ecosystem.

A Coordinated Future

The insights shared at AUF2 served as a clear reminder that sustainable urbanisation requires robust cross-sector collaboration. Housing networks and transport networks are two sides of the same coin.

By anchoring affordable housing developments alongside high-capacity BRT lines, commuter rail networks, and non-motorised transport infrastructure, Kenya is setting a precedent for how African cities can manage rapid growth—ensuring future urban communities remain orderly, connected, and accessible for all.