The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) has stepped up its focus on rural development after a party delegation undertook an official study visit to China to benchmark best practices in grassroots governance and community-led transformation.
In a statement shared on X, UDA said the delegation visited Xiaogucheng Village in Zhejiang Province on the invitation of the Communist Party of China (CPC).
The visit was led by UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar Hassan and centred on China’s rural revitalisation initiative.
According to the party, the model observed in Xiaogucheng demonstrates how democratic consultation at the village level can drive sustainable development.
UDA noted that structured local participation has helped transform rural villages into centres of ecological preservation, cultural heritage, public safety and improved living standards.
The party said the visit offered key lessons on how political and governance structures can be designed to empower communities to take ownership of development initiatives.
UDA emphasised that self-driven local programmes, when supported by clear leadership and accountability frameworks, can significantly strengthen rural governance.
The delegation also examined how village-level institutions in China coordinate development planning, environmental conservation and social cohesion, aligning community priorities with broader national policies.
UDA said the insights gained from the visit will inform discussions on rural development, devolution and community empowerment in Kenya, especially in counties where agriculture and rural livelihoods remain central to economic growth.
The delegation included Senator Danson Mungatana (Tana River), Turkana County Woman Representative Cecilia Ngetit, President William Ruto’s Senior Advisor Prof. Edward Kisiangani, Executive Director Nicodemus Bore, NEC member Mark Lumunokol, Dr Adrian Kamotho of ENDRC, Omulo Junior, Daniel Kiptoo, Sebastian Mwangangi and Homa Bay UDA County Congress chairperson Kennedy Obuya.
The party said engagements with international partners remain part of its strategy to strengthen policy thinking and governance practice.