With our special correspondent in Kisumu, Albane Thirouard

With Kisumu, it is the first time that Africities will take place in a medium-sized city. A logical choice according to its governor, Peter Anyang' Nyong'o: "When we were in Marrakech for the last summit, it was mentioned that, until now, we had only organized it in well-established cities. But the challenges of urban life over the next thirty years will become increasingly complex. Populations are moving mainly towards cities. And so what we call markets today in Kenya will be major urban centers in three decades."

Welcoming participants well

More than eight thousand delegates from across the continent are expected to discuss the future role of these intermediate cities. Kisumu is well aware of what such an event can bring in terms of economic returns. So everything has been prepared to welcome participants properly. Julius Korir, minister of decentralization: "We have a dedicated committee, drawn from the national government and the county. We have established a list of hotels of which we are sure of the quality and safety. We have also mapped all the private apartments that were available for rent, to ensure their quality. Those that met the standards were added to the official list."

Some roads have also been improved to limit traffic congestion. Because the authorities are determined to encourage participants to return for a conference or tourism. Actress Lupita Nyong'o, the governor's daughter, was even named ambassador of the summit.

►Also listen to : "It's not hot air", Africities: sustainable cities, how to go about it