Global Gateway signs MoU with UN-Habitat to build houses in informal settlements

UN-Habitat Director of Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific Atsushi Koresawa, UN-Habitat Executive Director Maimuna Sherif, Head of Gateway Global in Africa Rahma Hersi and Farha Fiona Kirubi (Head of Finetech Advisory in Africa) during the signing of the MoU at a Nairobi hotel. [Photo: Courtesy]

Gateway Global has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the UN-Habitat to build more houses for people living in informal settlements.

The new initiative will help curb the growth of informal settlements in urban areas with 61 per cent of the population now living in slums and overcrowded homes.

According to the two bodies, families are at high health risk of diseases such as malaria, respiratory infections, and jigger infestation.

To curb the risks, Gateway Global will work with the UN-Habitat SDG 11 project to develop adequate, affordable housing for all and upgrade slums.

The MoU was signed between the Executive Director of UN-Habitat, Maimuna Sherif, head of Gateway Global in Africa, Rahma Hersi and head of Finetech Advisory in Africa, Farha Fiona Kirubi.

 “The SDG 11 project aims at addressing the social, economic, and environmental dimensions of development in the communities they serve including Kenya. The programme will upgrade slums, make human settlements safe, sustainable, and easily accessible,” said Hersi.

The new partnership will also see Kenya develop its human settlement areas by making them safe and sustainable for all.

According to the Kenya habitat, the housing deficit in Kenya stands at two million and continues to grow at a rate of about 200,000 units a year.

Gateway Global in Africa is a multi-faceted professional services firm that enables its clients to enter new markets.

The organisation also reorients Islamic economies and construct ethical solutions across all four continents and has partners in the United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Turkey, and East Africa.

Some of their key areas of expertise include gender equity and inclusivity, digital Strategy and Fintech and social responsibility and impact, among others.