Kenya and Morocco reaffirm strategic partnership at inaugural joint commission

Africa, Politics

NAIROBI, Kenya, 10 April 2026 (NPA) — Kenya and the Kingdom of Morocco have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation following high‑level talks in Nairobi aimed at strengthening political, economic and development ties.

Speaking at the Ministerial Session of the inaugural Kenya–Morocco Joint Commission for Cooperation, Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi said the meeting marked a significant step in advancing relations from traditional cooperation to a structured strategic partnership.

Mudavadi noted that the Commission reflects a deliberate decision by both governments to institutionalise engagement and expand collaboration across key sectors. He disclosed that 11 bilateral instruments would be signed covering agriculture, justice, health, fisheries, gender equality, cultural cooperation, higher education, scholarships, sports, immigration and wildlife conservation.

“These instruments will translate our shared commitments into practical and impactful cooperation,” he said, adding that global economic shifts make stronger African partnerships essential for resilient development.

Mudavadi welcomed the Moroccan delegation led by Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, highlighting nearly six decades of cordial relations founded on mutual respect and a shared commitment to Africa’s progress. He stressed the importance of improved connectivity to accelerate trade, tourism and innovation, and reaffirmed Kenya’s view of Morocco as a strategic partner in renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, agro‑processing, pharmaceuticals and infrastructure.

Bourita described the Commission as a decisive turning point, noting that Mudavadi’s 2025 visit to Morocco had already strengthened ties through new agreements and the opening of Kenya’s embassy in Rabat. He emphasised that both countries possess complementary strengths — Morocco as a gateway to Europe with advanced manufacturing, and Kenya with its dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem and digital innovation.

While acknowledging that trade volumes remain below potential, Bourita called for stronger engagement between governments, the private sector and stakeholders. He stressed that the challenge lies in translating agreements into tangible projects that benefit citizens.

Both leaders expressed confidence that the Joint Commission would unlock new opportunities for economic collaboration and strengthen the partnership as Kenya and Morocco work together to advance development and integration across Africa.