Government dignitaries and private sector leaders converge to discuss infrastructure challenges facing African Cities at the forthcoming GE forum.General Electric (GE) the diversified global infrastructure, finance and media company will host a one-day “Thought Leadership” event in Kenya to discuss infrastructure challenges African cities are facing and possible solutions. The forum will be held on October 14, 2009 in Nairobi. The event will draw participants from the private and public sectors from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Nigeria.  The theme of the forum is ‘African Cities of the 21st Century’ and focuses on urban development and the role the private sector can play in supporting the government solve modern challenges for city residents such as energy, security, healthcare and inadequate water supply.    “Our aim is to host an event that can engage the thoughts of various stakeholders. GE is committed to working with public and private sector to find the best partnership solutions to respond to the needs of citizens,” said Lazarus Angbazo, the President & CEO, GE East, Central and West Africa.Nairobi is GE’s city of choice for the first Thought Leadership Forum due to its development progress and established future targets under the Nairobi Metro 2030.Nairobi Metropolitan Development Minister Robinson Njeru Githae is expected to officially open the forum where he will outline major challenges facing Nairobi metropolitan and the government action plan on developing the city to a world-class metropolis. Breakout sessions have been arranged to delve into the current state and future of energy, security, health and water sectors. GE representatives and sector experts will highlight best practices from around the world and potential solutions for Nairobi and other African cities. www.ge.com/africancities.