Kisumu: The County Government of Kisumu has entered into a partnership with China’s Yiyang Yinxiang Trading Company Limited to accelerate infrastructural development, with a focus on affordable housing, solar energy, and waste management. Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o on Monday signed a Framework Cooperation Agreement and a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for foreign trade on behalf of the county. Liu Chu Yi, the company’s Deputy General Manager, signed on behalf of Yiyang Yinxiang Trading Company, while Otieno Aluoko witnessed the signing on behalf of the county alongside representatives from Yiyang Heshan District Development Group Limited Company.

According to Kenya News Agency, the MoU commits both parties to speed up Kisumu’s affordable housing programme and cooperate on solar and waste recycling investments. The framework also covers sewer treatment and security surveillance, sectors identified as key to Kisumu’s sustainable urban development plan. ‘The two sides shall actively intensify cooperation in affordable housing, solar energy investments, waste management, sewer treatment, and security surveillance,’ the agreement reads in part.

The deal is structured as a framework agreement, meaning that specific projects will be implemented through subsequent detailed cooperation and partnership agreements in each investment area. Both parties also agreed to maintain confidentiality regarding their collaboration and pledged not to disclose information to third parties except to authorized personnel.

Prof. Nyong’o said the partnership aligns with Kisumu’s long-term strategy of forging international collaborations to drive economic transformation. ‘We will continue to strengthen partnerships locally and globally to sustain growth and development for our people in every small and big way,’ he said during the signing ceremony in his office. He added that the cooperation underscores Kisumu’s commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship, and inclusive development. ‘Through this cooperation, we reaffirm Kisumu’s commitment to innovation and environmental stewardship-all aimed at uplifting our people and driving inclusive development across the county,’ Nyong’o said.

The pact comes as Kisumu intensifies efforts to attract foreign investment in green energy and urban infrastructure, positioning itself as a regional hub for sustainable development.