A high-level delegation from the Communist Party of China (CPC) has commenced a three-day diplomatic visit to Kenya.
Led by Li Xi, a prominent member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, the delegation arrived on Saturday evening. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, along with Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migosi and Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja welcomed the Chinese officials. Additional dignitaries present included Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei, UDA Treasurer Japheth Nyakundi, and Belgut MP Nelson Koech.
The visit, arranged at the invitation of Kenya’s ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party, includes several significant engagements. Li Xi is scheduled to visit the UDA headquarters and engage in bilateral discussions with senior party officials, during which key cooperation agreements are expected to be formalized. The itinerary includes a meeting with President William Ruto at State House on Monday before the delegation continues to Italy and South Africa. The diplomatic exchange builds upon growing ties between the two ruling parties. Earlier this year, UDA representatives conducted a benchmarking mission to Beijing, seeking insights from the CPC’s governance model.
The Kenyan party has set ambitious goals, including expanding its membership to 20 million over the next two years and establishing a permanent institutional presence ahead of President Ruto’s anticipated 2027 reelection bid. A notable aspect of the bilateral discussions involves UDA’s pursuit of approximately Sh1 billion in funding from the CPC for the construction of new headquarters. According to National Executive Director Nicodemus Bore, the party has identified potential sites in Nairobi for the facility, which is envisioned to include a leadership training academy.
The party currently operates from temporary premises on Ngong Road, having relocated from its previous Hustler Centre location in Kilimani. Chinese involvement in Kenya has been particularly visible in infrastructure development, including the Standard Gauge Railway and extensive road networks. During this year’s Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping reaffirmed his nation’s commitment to sharing governance expertise with African countries.
