President William Ruto is set to travel to Baku, Azerbaijan, to attend the 13th session of the World Urban Forum convened by the United Nations-Habitat.

According to a statement by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohamed on Saturday, May 16, 2026, the trip comes after Kenya’s recognition in the development of affordable housing and sustainable urban development.

“President William Ruto departs this evening for Baku, Azerbaijan, to attend the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum, where Kenya has been invited in recognition of its leadership and success in affordable housing and sustainable urban development,” read the statement in part.

The Forum convened by UN-Habitat, WUF13 will bring together governments, investors, cities, civil society, and development partners to address the global housing crisis and advance sustainable urban development.

At the same time, Kenya will showcase the impact of its Affordable Housing Programme in transforming informal settlements, creating jobs, and supporting entrepreneurship.

The forum will also provide an opportunity for Kenya to mobilise partnerships and investments to expand and scale the Affordable Housing Programme and urban renewal initiatives, including the Nairobi Rivers Regeneration Programme.

Key sidelines events

In his capacity as the global champion for adequate housing, an honour conferred on him by UN-Habitat in recognition of the progress made through Kenya’s affordable housing programme, President Ruto will advocate innovative financing models and reforms to the global financial architecture to unlock greater investment in housing and infrastructure across Africa.

On the sidelines of the forum, President Ruto will hold bilateral engagements with Heads of State, investors, and development partners, including the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to strengthen cooperation in energy, ICT, infrastructure, and Special Economic Zones, while expanding markets for Kenyan agricultural exports.

President Ruto will thereafter travel to Astana, Kazakhstan, for a State Visit focused on trade, logistics, energy, technology, tourism, financial services, and labour mobility.

He will hold bilateral talks with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and witness the signing of agreements on investment, transport, ICT, tourism, and diplomatic cooperation.

According to the State House, the visit will also advance plans for a logistics hub at the Port of Mombasa or Lamu, tea and coffee hubs in Astana, and cooperation in nuclear energy, cybersecurity, space technology, and financial services.