Cabinet Secretary for Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development Zachariah Njeru has urged United Nations member states to contribute more resources to support UN-Habitat. 

Speaking during the opening of the UN-Habitat Executive Board meeting on Tuesday, Njeru said Kenya is committed to paying regular annual voluntary contributions to UN-Habitat.

"I note with concern that the voluntary contributions from member states remain low. I wish to urge Member States to honour their commitments by providing the much needed financial support especially in non-earmarked contributions, which are vital for the normative work of the agency,” he said at the meeting held in UN Headquarters, Gigiri. 

Njeru lauded Executive Director Maimunah Mohamed Sharif for her efforts in fund-raising noting that for the first time in 12 years, UN-Habitat has realized a surplus of $5.5 million in the non-earmarked foundation funds and also managed to repay some funds to pending loans.

"In 2023, as we all work towards a successful second United Nations Habitat Assembly, it is my hope that we can keep the Nairobi spirit of collaboration and partnership,” Maimunah said.

The CS also noted the support from UN-Habitat in implementation of Kenya's transformative agenda adding that Kenya has prioritized affordable housing as one of its projects.

The UN-Habitat Executive Board is composed of 36 member states and provides oversight of the organization. 

The Executive Board meeting will also discuss the upcoming UN-HABITAT assembly which is expected to bring more than 6000 visitors to Nairobi.