For a successful Africities summit, investment is key

Agenda 2063 by the African Union aims at positioning Africa as an economic powerhouse and a dominant player in the global arena. Over the years we have witnessed gradual structural transformation, renewed economic growth and social progress in most of the urban cities across the continent. The interesting bit is that the urban growth is not only the issue of large cities but also the many intermediary cities, which are the hope of a lasting urban development.

One of the cities in Kenya experiencing this kind unprecedented growth is Kisumu city. In November 2021, Kisumu is set to become the first intermediary city to host the 9th edition of the Africities Summit. This is the United Cities and Local Governments of Africa’s flagship pan-african event that is held every three years in one of the five regions of Africa. After winning the bid to host the summit back in 2018, the city has experienced revitalisation of various projects, including the revamping of Kisumu Port that has so far recorded a surge in trading in the cargo sector. The city has also seen an improvement of features of its urban environment and the implementation of non-motorised transport systems.

Amid these developments, there is a need to invest in vital elements to ensure that Kisumu City and Kenya at large gain economically because the most important driver and motivation in hosting a major event is the long term benefits in the investments of infrastructure and rapid urban transformation.

INNOCENT OLECHE Kisumu