- Kenya has officially declared its support for Morocco’s autonomy plan in the Western Sahara issue.
- The move was made during a high-level visit to Rabat, where Kenya also opened a new embassy.
- Both countries agreed to boost ties in trade, security, energy, and cultural exchanges.
- Morocco will fast-track fertiliser exports to Kenya, while Kenya aims to grow its food exports to Morocco.
- Kenya also endorsed Morocco’s plan to support landlocked African countries through Atlantic port access.
During a diplomatic visit to Rabat, Kenya announced its clear support for Morocco’s autonomy plan as the most realistic and lasting solution for the Western Sahara conflict, a long-running dispute that started in 1975. Morocco claims the region, while the Polisario Front, backed by Algeria, pushes for independence.
This move puts Kenya in line with many African, Arab, and Western nations that have already supported the Moroccan initiative. The statement was released after high-level meetings between both countries’ foreign affairs ministries.
As part of the visit, Kenya officially launched its new embassy in Rabat, a step that not only marked 60 years of diplomatic relations but also showed a deeper intention to strengthen ties going forward.
Trade, Energy, and Shared Growth Goals
The two nations agreed to increase cooperation in different areas such as renewable energy, food production, tourism, fisheries, religious partnerships, and national security.
Morocco, which is one of the top producers of fertilisers and phosphates, promised to speed up the delivery of soil nutrients to Kenya. In return, Kenya will focus on increasing its exports of tea, coffee, and fresh produce to Morocco, a plan aimed at reducing trade imbalance.
“Kenya stands ready to grow our agricultural exports and create fair trade,” wrote Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi on his X handle.
Kenya also expressed support for Morocco’s vision of helping landlocked Sahel countries by allowing them to use Moroccan ports along the Atlantic Ocean—an idea that would open global market access for several African nations.
Morocco’s Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita welcomed Kenya’s stand, calling it strong support for Morocco’s “national cause” and a move that will boost both political and economic partnerships.
