The Kenyan ruling party, United Democratic Alliance (UDA) and Burundi's ruling party, CNDD-FDD, have agreed to strengthen cooperation and share experiences on party building as the two countries seek to deepen their political and economic ties.
UDA Secretary General Hassan Omar, on Wednesday, September 9, met with the Secretary General of Burundi's ruling party, CNDD-FDD, Révérien Ndikuriyo, at the UDA Headquarters in Nairobi for a discussion of various issues affecting the two parties and nations.
At the center of the meeting is the working relationship with the two parties agreeing to deepen their relationship. Hassan Omar states that the discussions were centered on strengthening relations between the two countries, with UDA and CNDD-FDD agreeing to cooperate and learn from each other on Party building.
UDA Secretary General hosts the Secretary General of Burundi's ruling party, CNDD-FDD, Révérien Ndikuriyo on September 9, 2026 Facebook UDA party
The two leaders also discussed the broader relationship between Kenya and Burundi, with the two parties highlighting trade, investment, and the free movement of people and goods under the East African Community (EAC).
"Kenya and Burundi continue to enjoy close cooperation, with our two countries working together within the wider East African Community (EAC) on trade and investment, and with the free movement of people and goods central to this relationship," the party added.
During high-level discussions between the two nations, the status of undocumented Burundian nationals residing in Kenya took center stage. In response to concerns raised by the visiting delegation, Kenyan officials, led by Hassan, offered firm assurances regarding the government's commitment to regularizing the stay of these individuals, paving the way for clearer legal standing and security.
Acknowledging these efforts, Ndikuriyo expressed deep gratitude to the Kenyan government and its people for the warm hospitality extended to Burundian citizens living, working, and building their lives across the country. The dialogue highlighted a mutual dedication to strengthening bilateral ties and prioritizing the welfare of their diaspora communities.
The high-level meeting took place against a backdrop of heightened scrutiny surrounding foreign nationals and businesses operating in Kenya. This climate of increased oversight had sparked growing anxiety among Burundians, who feared for their ability to securely live, work, and conduct business legally within the country. On Monday and Tuesday, hundreds of Burundians turned up at their embassy in Nairobi seeking travel documents and assistance amid fears of harassment after presidential directive on foreigners operating small-scale businesses, in Kenya.
However, Kenya president William Ruto later gave a 90-day window for them to regularize their immigration, work permits, business registration, and licensing status before the government begins enforcing the requirements more strictly.
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