Time for counties to embrace New Urban Agenda

An aerial view of the upgraded Kibra Soweto East Zone A with the backdrop of yet to be upgraded Soweto Zone B in Kibera slums, Nairobi County.

Urbanisation presents grave challenges to devolved governments.

The World Bank estimates that less than 50 per cent of residents of informal settlements have access to reasonable quality of water and sanitation services. 80 per cent rely on energy sources that are harmful to their health, 60-70 per cent are unable to afford proper health services while unemployment stands at 70 per cent.