Housing PS Charles Hinga Honoured for Spearheading Kenya’s Urban Transformation
In recognition, the WBBA granted the State Department a Certified Bronze Gigacity Award 2025, affirming that it had attained the standards set for a “Gigacity.”
The initiative aims at making Kenyan cities more efficient, better connected, and adaptable to future urban challenges. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The State Department for Housing and Urban Development has been internationally recognized because of its tremendous strides in proactively pursuing sustainable urbanization and further improving access to quality, yet affordable housing through the Affordable Housing Programme. This is considered a major landmark development in Kenya’s efforts towards upgrading its cities in order to advance the living standards of its citizens.
The department, led by Housing PS Charles Hinga, was praised for playing a catalytic role in driving innovation and integrating technology in urban planning. PS Hinga was recognised during an award ceremony in Cape Town, South Africa, for his visionary leadership and strategic contribution to Kenya’s Smart Cities Initiative, a flagship program designed to transform urban centres into efficient, inclusive, and technology-driven spaces.
The Kenyan government, under his stewardship, has made significant strides towards embracing new models of urban development that focus on sustainability, a connected digital foundation, and citizens at the heart of planning. His leadership has been instrumental in ensuring that housing projects not only meet the increasing demand for affordable homes but also integrate modern infrastructure supportive of economic growth and community well-being.
In recognition, the WBBA granted the State Department a Certified Bronze Gigacity Award 2025, affirming that it had attained the standards set for a “Gigacity.” This global recognition highlights Kenya’s commitment to embedding broadband infrastructure and smart technology into its housing and city development frameworks. The initiative aims at making Kenyan cities more efficient, better connected, and adaptable to future urban challenges.
PS Hinga leads from an inclusive and innovative philosophical standpoint, where a key preoccupation is to ensure that every Kenyan, irrespective of economic status, has access to safe and decent housing. His department has constantly pursued partnerships and policy reforms in concert with the national goal of providing affordable homes while fostering digital transformation and environmental sustainability in urban spaces.
Beyond just recognizing the achievements of the department, this award recognizes Kenya’s rising status as a leader in sustainable urban development across Africa. It demonstrates the confidence of the international community in Kenya’s long-term vision for creating cities that balance economic growth with ecological responsibility and social equity. It is a recognition of what has been achieved, as well as a call for continued innovation in urban housing. This demonstrates that PS Charles Hinga and his team are committed to ensuring Kenya takes its rightful place as a continental model for modern, inclusive, and resilient urban development.
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