Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, on Sunday received a detailed briefing on the status of Kenya-Morocco bilateral relations as he commenced a three-day official visit to the North African nation.
The meeting, which brought together senior officials from the Kenyan Embassy in Morocco, including Ambassador Jessica Gakinya, focused on enhancing cooperation between the two nations, particularly in trade, diplomacy, and strategic partnerships.
A key issue discussed was the prevailing trade imbalance between Kenya and Morocco. According to Mudavadi, Kenya imports goods worth Ksh 12 billion from Morocco, mainly fertilizers and other essential commodities, while exports remain significantly lower, at approximately Ksh 500 million.
“This trade disparity is a concern,” Mudavadi stated. “We explored practical strategies to boost the volume and diversity of Kenyan exports, particularly tea and coffee, to create a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship.”
The Prime Cabinet Secretary emphasized the importance of increasing market access for Kenyan products and promoting value-added goods that align with Morocco’s demand. Efforts to strengthen economic ties will include collaboration with Moroccan stakeholders and investment in market development.
In addition to trade, the briefing included discussions on broader areas of cooperation such as agriculture, education, renewable energy, and security. These sectors are expected to feature prominently in the signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) scheduled for Monday.
Mudavadi is also set to hold bilateral talks with Aziz Akhannouch, the Head of Government and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco. Their discussions are expected to reinforce diplomatic ties and promote strategic collaboration between Nairobi and Rabat.
During his visit, Mudavadi will officially inaugurate Kenya’s embassy in Rabat. The move is seen as a major step toward solidifying Kenya’s presence in North Africa and strengthening diplomatic engagement with Morocco and the wider Maghreb region.
This visit underscores Kenya’s growing interest in diversifying its international partnerships and expanding its influence across Africa through strategic diplomacy and economic cooperation.
