A new coordination structure bringing together senior government and party leadership has been agreed upon after talks between the Orange Democratic Movement and the United Democratic Alliance in Nairobi, setting up a joint committee to oversee how government priorities are aligned across key institutions.
The agreement establishes a Broad-Based Management Committee that will bring together party leaders, selected Cabinet ministers, and parliamentary leaders from both sides, aimed at improving coordination between the executive and legislative arms of government.
In a joint statement released on Thursday, the parties said the meeting held at State House, Nairobi on Thursday brought together the UDA Steering Committee and the ODM Central Management Committee, where discussions focused on strengthening collaboration and identifying shared areas of interest.
“The meeting focused on strengthening collaboration and exploring areas of mutual interest between the two parties.”
The discussions are part of ongoing political engagement between the two formations, which have in recent months expanded consultations within government and Parliament.
One of the key decisions was the introduction of structured and regular consultations across party organs, meant to ensure continuous dialogue and better coordination.
“In a key resolution, the meeting mandated the respective party chairpersons to continue structured and regular consultations across party organs.”
The parties said the consultations are expected to help build consensus on national priorities and support efforts toward a more formal political arrangement.
“These ongoing engagements are intended to build consensus on priority issues and lay the foundation for a formal coalition of equals between UDA and ODM.”
The “coalition of equals” idea points to a more balanced political partnership, although the statement did not outline how roles or decision-making structures would be shared.
A key outcome of the meeting was also the formation of a Broad-Based Management Committee to coordinate government work between the executive and Parliament.
“In addition, the two party leaders agreed to establish a Broad-Based Management Committee comprising the party leaders, selected Cabinet Ministers, and the Majority and Minority Leaders in Parliament.”
The committee will oversee coordination of government programmes to ensure alignment between policy development and implementation.
“The committee will be tasked with coordinating and synchronizing the legislative and executive agenda of government to ensure coherence, efficiency, and effective service delivery.”
The two parties said the structure is aimed at reducing policy gaps and improving delivery of government programmes through closer cooperation.
Senior leaders present included President William Ruto, who leads UDA, and ODM party leader Oburu Oginga.
Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to continued dialogue and a shared approach to national development.
“Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to constructive dialogue, unity of purpose, and a shared vision for national development and inclusive governance.”
The Nairobi meeting reflects a growing trend of structured cooperation between the two political formations, with attention now shifting to how the new committee will function in practice.
Although no formal coalition agreement has been signed, the creation of consultation structures and the management committee signals a deeper level of political coordination between the two sides.