RABAT, Morocco —Kenya and Morocco have taken a major step toward deepening their diplomatic and economic ties, signing several bilateral agreements in Rabat this week during a high-level visit led by Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi.
The deals cover a wide range of areas including housing, trade, youth affairs, public administration and foreign service training. Officials from both countries say they hope these agreements will pave the way for fairer trade, expanded education opportunities, and stronger cooperation across government sectors.
“We are committed to seeing these agreements put into action for the benefit of both our nations,” Mr Mudavadi said following the signing ceremony with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita.
A Trade Gap Under Scrutiny
One of the key issues on the table was the deep trade imbalance between the two countries. Kenya imports goods from Morocco worth an estimated KSh12 billion annually, much of it fertiliser. By contrast, Kenyan exports to Morocco stand at just KSh500 million.
Mr Mudavadi urged his Moroccan counterparts to increase imports of Kenyan tea, coffee, and fresh produce sectors that are vital to Kenya’s economy but remain underrepresented in North African markets.
“This gap is too wide,” he said. “We’ve asked Morocco to consider more Kenyan agricultural products to improve the balance.”
Calls for Scholarships and Jobs
Education and employment featured prominently in the Kenyan delegation’s agenda. The government is seeking to raise the number of scholarships available to Kenyan students in Morocco currently capped at 20 and to have Kenyan teachers hired to teach English in Moroccan schools.
“English is gaining popularity in Morocco,” Mr Mudavadi noted. “We believe Kenyan teachers can help fill that gap.”
He also called for direct flights between Nairobi and Moroccan cities like Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, which, he said, would encourage tourism and make business travel more practical.
Food Security and Affordable Fertiliser
In a direct appeal to Morocco, a major fertiliser exporter, Kenya requested concessional rates for fertiliser sold to Kenyan farmers. The move, the government says, would support food security efforts at home.
“Lower fertiliser costs could help us lift agricultural productivity,” said Mr Mudavadi. “It’s an area where Morocco has a global edge, and we’d welcome more support.”
Looking Beyond Borders
Beyond trade and development, the two nations reaffirmed their shared commitment to regional peace and global cooperation. Both Kenya and Morocco have been active players within the African Union and the United Nations, and officials say they will continue to coordinate on issues affecting the continent and the broader international community.
The trip follows the recent opening of Kenya’s new embassy in Rabat, underscoring what both sides describe as a renewed chapter in their diplomatic relationship.
“We are not just talking about agreements on paper,” Mr Mudavadi said. “We’re laying the foundation for long-term partnership built on respect and shared goals.”
The Kenyan delegation returns home with promises made but as with many diplomatic visits, the real test will be in the follow-through.
