Mudavadi said Kenya must strengthen its institutions to protect democratic ideals, promote national stability and ensure a credible electoral process.
This was even as he said Kenya was looking forward to the August 10, 2027 general election and expressed hope that it would be peaceful and free from disruptions.
“On 10th August 2027, we look forward to a safe, peaceful, petition-free and goons-free election,” he said in assurances to the diplomatic community.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary spoke in Nairobi on Wednesday during a reception to mark the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
More than 500 guests attended the reception at the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi, including members of the diplomatic corps, government officials, and Kenyans drawn from various walks of life.
Mudavadi said the country must learn from China’s long-term nation-building experience while developing its own institutions.
“Strong institutions are critical in fighting corruption, combating tribalism, and enhancing national unity,” he said.
He singled out the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), saying its independence must be strengthened and protected to safeguard the integrity of elections.
The PCS’ remarks come as the IEBC prepares for the 2027 polls, with the commission undertaking key preparations for the elections.
Mudavadi linked the need for strong institutions to the country’s development agenda, citing new development framework President William Ruto’s team is pushing for as Vision 2030 approaches its conclusion.
The PCS said Kenya and China had lessons to share as both countries pursue national transformation.
“Kenya continues to build and strengthen its state institutions,” he said, adding that strong institutions were necessary to fight corruption, combat tribalism and enhance national unity.
Mudavadi also highlighted the growing political and economic relationship between Kenya and China.
He recalled President William Ruto’s state visit to China in April 2025, during which the two countries elevated their relationship to an All-Weather Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
He said the partnership had resulted in agreements covering finance, manufacturing and value addition, infrastructure, health, tourism, culture and education.
Mudavadi particularly cited the China-Africa Development Economic Partnership Agreement (CADEPA), under which Kenya and China signed an Early Harvest Agreement in March this year.
The arrangement, which took effect in May, allows Kenyan exports to China to enter the market without tariffs.
Mudavadi said the agreement was already supporting growth in exports of products such as coffee, avocadoes and tea.
He said Kenya was ready to begin comprehensive negotiations with China on all aspects of CADEPA, arguing that this would unlock investment opportunities and improve Kenya’s capacity to compete in the Chinese market.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary also praised China’s role in infrastructure development, including roads, railways and renewable energy.
He cited plans for the dualling of the Nairobi-Nakuru-Mau Summit highway towards Kisumu and Malaba and the extension of the Standard Gauge Railway from Naivasha through Kisumu to Malaba.
According to Mudavadi, the projects would strengthen regional connectivity and help landlocked countries access the Indian Ocean for trade.
He said the infrastructure would also support the development of an economic corridor, potentially transforming rural agricultural areas into Special Economic Zones focused on manufacturing, value addition and trade.
The event was attended by senior Kenyan government officials, MPs, members of the diplomatic corps, international organisations and representatives of the Chinese community.
