Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, Musalia Mudavadi, is on a three-day official visit to Morocco aimed at strengthening diplomatic and trade relations between the two nations. The visit, which began Sunday, marks a key milestone with the official inauguration of Kenya’s embassy in Rabat.
In a statement posted on social media following his meeting with Ambassador Jessica Gakinya, Minister Mudavadi said discussions focused on correcting Kenya’s trade imbalance with Morocco. While Kenya currently imports goods worth KSh12 billion (approx. $92 million), largely composed of fertilizers and other essential commodities, its exports—mostly tea and coffee—stand at just KSh500 million (approx. $3.8 million).
“We explored practical strategies to enhance Kenyan exports in both volume and diversity to achieve a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship,” Mudavadi stated.
The Kenyan Foreign Ministry also confirmed that five bilateral Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed during the visit, expanding cooperation in key sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, education, and diplomatic training.
On Monday, Mudavadi will meet with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita to finalize the agreements and explore broader regional cooperation.
The visit comes amid Morocco’s ongoing diplomatic campaign to enhance its ties across Africa, particularly with countries that continue to recognize the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR). Kenya currently maintains recognition of the SADR, a position that has periodically sparked debate in Nairobi. In 2022, President William Ruto briefly announced a withdrawal of recognition—only to walk back the statement the same day, reportedly under domestic political pressure, including from National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, a known supporter of the Polisario Front.
While Kenya’s official stance on the Western Sahara dispute remains unchanged, Mudavadi’s visit is seen as part of a pragmatic approach focused on boosting trade, investment, and diplomatic engagement with Rabat.
As Kenya prepares for general elections in 2027, the ruling coalition’s handling of foreign policy issues—particularly those tied to economic diplomacy—may shape campaign narratives, especially amid rising public demand for trade expansion and job creation.