UDA Leadership School plans have Kenyans talking after the ruling party announced it will set up a special training centre modelled after the Communist Party of China’s long-running system for grooming leaders. The United Democratic Alliance aims to foster discipline and clear thinking among its members, with the hope that this new school will produce stable leaders prepared for future leadership roles.
Party officials shared the idea during recent meetings, saying the school will teach everything from party loyalty to smart decision-making. They point to China’s setup, where thousands pass through centralised programmes every year, learning the same principles and preparing for bigger roles.
UDA leaders believe copying parts of that – like strict rules inside the party and planned handovers – will keep things running smoothly long after today’s big names step aside. “We need structure that lasts,” one top member told reporters off the record, adding the goal is professional politicians who stick to the party’s vision.
This comes as UDA, the party of President William Ruto, looks to cement its hold after winning big in 2022. They’ve faced internal fights and complaints about loose organisation in some counties. The school aims to fix that, offering courses on policy, public speaking, and staying united under pressure.
Women and youth wings get special focus, with spots reserved to bring fresh faces up the ranks. Locations aren’t set yet, but whispers point to Nairobi or a central spot easy for members nationwide to reach.
Reactions poured in quick. Supporters cheer it as a grown-up move for a young party, saying Kenya needs stronger institutions beyond elections. “Finally, training instead of just campaigning,” one UDA youth leader posted online, getting hundreds of likes.
Others express concern about the adoption of China’s one-party system in a multi-party country such as ours. Opponents say it’s alarming, suggesting tighter control that could push out other views.
China has been involved in Kenya for a long time, building roads and trains and giving loans. But this time they seem to be getting into politics. The UDA says it’s just practical learning and not replicating the full system. They point out that CPC schools promote loyalty and planning, which are important skills for any group.
“We don’t know much about the training yet, but we do know that there will be classes on ethics, history, and how to run a government,” an insider said. “People from business or other countries might come to speak, which keeps it broad. Party dues and donations are the main sources of funding, and there hasn’t been any public money stated yet. If everything goes according to plan, rollout might commence later this year.”
Kenyans talk about it over tea and on the phone. Some others think it’s too much for a party that’s only been around for four years. Some people think it’s a good idea to build deep benches, especially because 2027 is coming up. Young people are already lining up for free classes, which they perceive as a way to get ahead in politics.
This school shows that UDA has grown from a campaign machine to something that will last. People are paying close attention to it, whether it works or gets more flames. Kenya’s politics are always changing, and this move adds another complexity. As classes get ready, the real test comes when graduates step up.
Elders in the party agree and say it’s time for real expansion. People that don’t like you look for evidence that you have too much power. Either way, UDA Leadership School puts training first and uses ideas from other places to make its own strength.