Lands CS Zachariah Njeru has urged United Nations member states to contribute more resources to support UN-Habitat.
Speaking on Tuesday while opening the meeting of the Executive Board of the UN Habitat at the UN Headquarters in Gigiri, Nairobi, Njeru said Kenya is committed to paying regular annual voluntary contribution 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," the CS said.
The Executive Board is composed of 36 member states and provides oversight of the organization.
Njeru said commitment and participation in the meeting is key to ensuring continuity in the work of UN-Habitat.
He congratulated the Executive Director Maimunah Mohamed Sharif for her efforts in fund-raising, noting that for the first time in 12 years UN-Habitat has realised a surplus of USD5.5 million (Sh724.9 million) in the non-earmarked foundation funds and also managed to repay some funds to the pending loan.
Njeru called on Maimunah to continue introducing innovative ways of resource mobilisation and enhance the capacity of her team to continue leveraging on the political goodwill of member states and donors to ensure sustainability in management of the finances of UN-Habitat.
The CS appreciated the support from UN-Habitat in implementation of Kenya's transformative agenda adding that Kenya has prioritised affordable housing as one of its projects.
In her remarks, the executive director thanked staff and member states for their continued support for UN-Habitat vision.
"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 Executive Board meeting will also discuss the upcoming UN-Habitat assembly which is expected to bring more than 6000 visitors to Nairobi.