MRUDNEWS -In a significant meeting held between the CEO of Iran's Urban Regeneration Company and the Minister of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development of the Republic of Kenya, Iran affirmed its readiness to cooperate with the Kenyan Government in delivering one million social housing units through the expertise of capable Iranian companies, according to Dr. Abdolreza Golpayegani, Deputy Minister of Roads and Urban Development and CEO of the Iranian Urban Regeneration Company, following the meeting with Alice Wahome, Kenyan Minister of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly on Human Settlements in Nairobi.
During the meeting, Mr. Golpayegani highlighted the strong foundation of joint relations between Iran and Kenya and reiterated the potential for expanding cooperation, expressing Iran’s readiness to support Kenya's ambitious housing initiative aimed at delivering one million affordable housing units over five years, leveraging both public and private sector capacities.
Minister Wahome warmly welcomed Iran's active participation in the assembly and commended the Islamic Republic of Iran for its commitment to boost bilateral relations. She described the collaboration as a reflection of the robust ties between the two nations and outlined Kenya's comprehensive plans for affordable housing development.
Wahome further stressed her country’s need for primary construction materials, such as cement, iron and sanitary ware, identifying this as a valuable opportunity for importing from Iran while promoting reciprocal trade by exporting Kenyan products in exchange for goods and services.
Mr. Golpayegani, in turn, praised Kenya’s role in hosting the United Nations Human Settlements Program, highlighting the global importance of addressing poverty through the provision of affordable housing. He also acknowledged Kenya’s significant efforts in informal settlement improvement, referencing his planned visit to the Kibera neighborhood in Nairobi as part of his itinerary. Additionally, Mr. Golpayegani extended an invitation to the Minister Wahome to visit Iran for further dialogue and exchange of expertise.
On the sidelines of the assembly, bilateral meetings were also held between the Iranian delegation and representatives from South Korea, Iraq and Gambia, further boosting ties and exploring avenues for international cooperation in housing and urban development.
This meeting underscored the shared commitment of both nations to addressing housing challenges while fostering opportunities for enhanced collaboration and mutual growth.