Wanjira Mathai: Why Africa's Housing Crisis is a Climate Emergency

Environmentalist Wanjira Mathai, writing for Nation Africa, has emphasized that the urgent need for housing in African cities is now inextricably linked to the global climate crisis. Mathai, who serves as the Managing Director for Africa and Global Partnerships at the World Resources Institute, noted that while the demand for shelter is immediate, the expansion of urban areas often overlooks the long-term environmental risks facing vulnerable communities.

The housing deficit in Kenya remains a significant hurdle, with estimates suggesting a shortage of approximately two million units. This gap has led to a proliferation of informal settlements where residents lack secure tenure and basic services. Mathai points out that these areas are frequently the most exposed to climate-related hazards, including extreme heat and flooding, yet housing and climate policies are rarely treated as intertwined issues.

In Nairobi, the government under President Ruto has moved to address the shortage through the Affordable Housing Programme. This initiative aims to construct 200,000 units annually, with a broader goal of delivering one million houses by 2027. Recent activities include the inspection of the Nyacaba and Ndarugo projects in Kiambu County, where thousands of units are currently under development. President Ruto has maintained that the program is a central pillar of economic growth, reporting that it has already created over 240,000 jobs for the youth.

However, Mathai suggests that simply building more units is not enough. She advocates for "restorative" urban development that integrates green spaces and renewable energy into the housing fabric. According to her analysis, Africa receives only 20 percent of global adaptation finance, despite needing approximately $579 billion by 2030 to meet its climate goals. This funding gap directly impacts the ability of cities to build infrastructure that can withstand the changing environment.

The locals in informal settlements like Mukuru have seen some progress as they transition into modern apartments with reliable utilities. Yet, the broader challenge remains the high cost of construction and the slow pace of land acquisition. Reports from 2025 indicate that while the Affordable Housing Act provided a legal framework for the housing levy, disbursements have faced delays, and some projects have experienced funding shortfalls.

For Mathai, the solution lies in a consensus to operationalize loss and damage funds while doubling finance for climate adaptation. She argues that economic opportunities driven by green technologies are essential for moving populations out of poverty and into housing that offers genuine security. Without a shift toward climate-resilient planning, she warns that the current housing drive may only provide a temporary reprieve against much larger environmental shifts.