Kenya’s governing United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and the Communist Party of China (CPC) have formalised a new partnership aimed at deepening political ties and sharing lessons on governance and development.
The agreement, signed on 9 November, establishes a structured framework for cooperation between the two governing parties, focusing on party building, policy development, institutional advancement and mutual learning.
Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said the agreement was a practical step toward implementing the shared understanding reached by the leaders of both countries, providing a roadmap for regular, structured engagement between the parties.
She noted that both the CPC and UDA are committed to exploring modernisation paths suited to their respective national conditions, strengthening their institutions and improving the welfare of their people.
“The signing of the MoU is a concrete step towards implementing the important common understanding reached by the leaders of the two countries,” Guo said.
UDA Secretary General, Hassan Omar, described the agreement as a significant milestone in the relationship between the two parties, asserting that it goes beyond a declaration of goodwill to establish a lasting framework for cooperation.
He explained that the partnership would allow both sides to share experiences, exchange ideas and strengthen their institutional capacity, particularly in party organisation, governance and policy development.
Omar described the MoU as “more than a document of shared intentions”, adding that it provides a basis for sustained collaboration, mutual learning and enduring friendship.
The agreement comes against the backdrop of growing Kenya-China relations, with both parties seeking to translate political goodwill into stronger institutional engagement and cooperation.
Guo said the CPC remains committed to maintaining friendly relations with political parties across Kenya and contributing to the broader China-Kenya relationship through inter-party exchanges.
Both parties also expressed their commitment to contributing to international discussions and strengthening solidarity in addressing common development challenges, particularly among countries of the Global South.
The signing was conducted by Liu Haixing, Minister of the CPC International Department, and Hassan Omar, UDA Secretary General.
Liu was accompanied by Rao Huihua, Director-General of the CPC International Department’s African Affairs Bureau, and other senior party officials.
Omar was joined by Cecilia Ng’itit, UDA National Executive Committee member and Turkana Woman Representative, Professor Edward Kisiangani, Senior Advisor to the President, Nicodemus Bore, UDA Executive Director, and other senior party officials.
