Kisumu County has entered a new era of international cooperation by sealing a sister city agreement with Yiyang City in China.

The landmark deal, signed on Thursday, June 19, 2025, during the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, Hunan Province, marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration focused on shared growth and development.

Kisumu Governor Peter Anyang’ Nyong’o hailed the agreement as a major stride in strengthening international ties, with the partnership set to promote cooperation in critical sectors such as science and technology, education, healthcare, culture, and sports.

The deal, signed by Kisumu City Manager Abala Wanga and Yiyang Mayor Xiong Wei, was finalized during a high-level forum that brought together African and Chinese leaders, policymakers, and business leaders to explore new avenues of partnership.

Governor Nyong’o emphasized that the collaboration is not just symbolic but anchored in mutual benefit and shared values.

“This partnership is set to foster mutual exchanges and economic collaboration based on equality and shared benefit.,” he said.

“We anticipate active cooperation across various crucial sectors, including science and technology, culture, sports, health, education, and talent development.”

The agreement builds on a five-year relationship between Kisumu and Hunan Province. Governor Nyong’o revealed that discussions for the partnership began in 2019, when he led a delegation from Kisumu to Hunan, laying the groundwork for what has now become a formal commitment to joint development.

“This landmark agreement is the culmination of an initiative that began back in 2019 when I had the privilege of leading a Kisumu delegation to Hunan Province,” he noted.

Yiyang, located in central China’s Hunan Province, is widely known for its robust agricultural production, particularly grains, cotton, and ramie, earning it the nickname “Land of Fish and Rice.” The city also boasts a strong manufacturing and industrial base, making it an ideal partner for Kisumu’s development ambitions.

The agreement is expected to unlock business opportunities between firms in both cities, while promoting skills transfer and investment in urban infrastructure. Though the full scope of implementation is still being finalized, the partnership is poised to open doors for increased collaboration in trade, innovation, and education.

As the partnership gains momentum, Governor Nyong’o confirmed that both cities will soon begin drafting joint action plans to operationalize the agreement and track its outcomes.