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The ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has announced plans to partner with the Communist Party of China (CPC) in setting up a leadership academy.

This follows bilateral talks that were held between the visiting CPC delegation led by by Li Xi and the UDA leadership on Monday, November 4, 2024, at the President William Ruto-led party headquarters at Hustler Plaza in Kilimani, Nairobi.

Mutual interest collaboration

UDA in a statement issued shortly after the Monday meeting, two parties sought to enhance their collaboration on areas of mutual interest.

“Visiting CPC delegation led by H.E Li Xi held bilateral talks with UDA Party leadership as the two parties sought to enhance their collaboration on areas of mutual interest. The CPC leader undertook to partner with UDA, especially on setting up of a Leadership Academy, during the bilateral talks between the leaders from the two political outfits,” the statement reads in part.

UDA was led in the bilateral talks by the party chairperson, Embu County Governor Cecily Mbarire, and Secretary General Hassan Omar.

Members of the UDA’s National Executive Committee, National Election Board, and other party organs attended the discussions.

UDA leaders in bilateral talks

Notable leaders such as Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi Ogamba, UDA Treasurer Japheth Nyakundi, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, UDA Organizing Secretary Vincent Kawaya, Women Representative Rebecca Tonkei (Narok), and MP Nelson Koech (Belgut) also attended the high-level meeting.

“While the China delegation was led by Mr. Li, UDA was led in the bilateral talk by Chairperson Governor Cecily Mbarire and Secretary General Sen. Hassan Omar who received the Chinese team at the Party’s headquarters. Several members of the Nation Executive Committee, National Election Board and other party organs joined in the talks,” UDA stated.

The UDA leadership also hosted its key directors who contributed insights on the envisioned Leadership Academy.

Joseph Mulili (Director of Finance and Administration), Rob Jillo (Director of Communications), Daniel Kiptoo (Director of Programs and Partnerships), and Halake Waqo (Director of Political Affairs), participated in the discussion on behalf of UDA.

The talks mark a pivotal moment in UDA’s international partnerships, signaling an expansion in the party’s approach to leadership training and professional development in Kenyan politics.

Xi Li Kenya tour

After concluding the bilateral talks with the UDA party, Li Xi and his China delegation will now be hosted by President William Ruto at State House, Nairobi.

Li Xi, a Member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection is in Kenya for a three-day tour.

Xi arrived in the country on Saturday, November 2, 2024, night, to start his tour.

Top government and the UDA Party delegation, led by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Party Secretary General Hassan Omar, received Xi and his delegation at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).