Nairobi climate forum calls for housing revolution to build resilient cities
via Tuko3 min read
Speakers at the Innovate4Cities Conference in Nairobi emphasized that how cities house their residents is crucial for tackling climate change. They called for a shift from viewing land as a commodity to treating it as a social and ecological asset. During a session on housing and infrastructure, urban leaders, climate scientists, and policymakers argued that climate-resilient housing is central to reducing emissions, mitigating disaster risks, and improving public health. UN-Habitat Executive Director Anaclaudia Rossbach stated that many informal settlements result from urban development patterns that fail to accommodate low- and middle-income residents. She linked Nairobi鈥檚 recurring floods, fires, and droughts to urban planning models that overlook the principle that land has a social and ecological function. Climate scientist Debra Roberts, a Coordinating Lead Author of the IPCC Special Report on Cities, stressed the need for integrated housing and infrastructure planning to prevent vulnerable communities from facing long-term climate risks. Costa Rica鈥檚 Ambassador to Kenya, Veronica Garcia, highlighted the importance of integrating local knowledge and community leadership in early planning stages. Nairobi County Executive Committee Member for Housing Maureen Njeri urged participants to accelerate the implementation of climate solutions to enhance urban resilience across Africa.
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Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale revealed that President William Ruto almost faced a 21-day quarantine if he had traveled to Congo on May 26, 2026, for a conference in Brazzaville. Duale, speaking during his mitigation at the High Court after being found guilty of contempt, explained that he advised the President against traveling due to the Ebola outbreak, leading Ruto to deliver his speech virtually. Duale also stated that a presidential advance team from State House was quarantined for 21 days upon their return from Brazzaville. The contempt charge stemmed from the continued construction of an Ebola quarantine and treatment center at Laikipia Air Base despite court orders. Duale defended the continuation, claiming the government interpreted the orders as suspending only cooperation arrangements, not all preparatory work. He expressed regret for the misunderstanding and affirmed he would not disregard court orders, leading High Court Judge Patricia Nyaundi to release him with a warning against future acts of contempt. The Katiba Institute and the Law Society of Kenya had sought a 15-month jail term.
Kenya's High Court has spared Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale from a jail term in a contempt of court case concerning a disputed Ebola quarantine facility at Laikipia Air Base. The court, presided over by Justice Patricia Nyaundi, discharged Duale but issued a strong warning against future non-compliance with court orders. The ruling on June 23 noted Duale's prompt compliance with summons and his personal appearance and apology, which demonstrated submission to judicial authority. The judge emphasized that this decision should not be seen as tolerance for disobedience of court orders. Petitioners, including Katiba Institute and the Law Society of Kenya, had sought a 15-month jail term, arguing that public officials must uphold the rule of law and judicial authority. They contended that the court's contempt jurisdiction exists to ensure orders are obeyed and to prevent judicial decisions from being ignored without consequence. Duale, in his mitigation, stated that the Ministry of Health acted on scientific and technical advice and had no intention to undermine the court's authority, adding that all activities related to the project had ceased.
Sylvester Mwangi Gutu, a Kenyan suspect linked to cross-border car thefts targeting Kenyans, has been arrested in Tanzania. Private detective Jane Mugoh, who launched a search for Mwangi in November 2025, confirmed his arrest on Monday, June 22. Mugoh alleged that Mwangi and his accomplices used a scheme targeting car hire companies and private vehicle owners, primarily in Malindi, Emali, and Mombasa. He would rent vehicles, pay for initial days, then change destinations, disable trackers, change number plates, and sell the cars in Tanzania. While his accomplices, Jimmy Mwangi and Grace Wanjiru, were arrested in Loitoktok in February 2026, Sylvester Mwangi remained at large until his recent apprehension. Mugoh urged victims of car theft to report incidents to local police stations.