Kenya, Morocco strengthen ties as leaders mark Throne Day

Kenya is set to benefit from new trade agreements with Morocco following Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi’s visit to Rabat, a move expected to boost bilateral cooperation in trade, education, renewable energy and cultural exchange.

Speaking during the 26th Throne Day celebrations hosted by Moroccan Ambassador Abderrazzak Laassel in Nairobi on Thursday, Mudavadi praised Morocco’s infrastructure achievements, citing Africa’s largest port in Tangier and the high-speed rail line linking Rabat to Tangier.

“I applaud His Majesty’s leadership in promoting the goal of a prosperous and interconnected Africa. Morocco’s role in  enhancing regional connectivity and trade aligns with Kenya’s vision for a united, integrated and thriving continent,” Mudavadi said.

He noted that Kenya and Morocco have enjoyed diplomatic ties since 1965, with embassies in both capitals, and commended Morocco’s support for Kenyan students through scholarships and contributions to President William Ruto’s fertiliser subsidy programme.

“Kenya greatly values Morocco’s continued support in the education sector, particularly through scholarships to Kenyan students each year,” he stated.

Ambassador Laassel welcomed Kenya’s endorsement of Morocco’s Autonomy Plan as the preferred solution to the Sahara issue, calling it a reflection of Kenya’s commitment to international law and peaceful dispute resolution.

“This support reflects Kenya’s commitment to international law, territorial integrity and peaceful resolution of disputes,” stated Laassel.

The envoy traced relations back to 1331, when Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta travelled from Tangier to Mombasa, and drew cultural parallels between the two nations, including shared traditions of communal meals, agricultural exports and tea drinking.

“Africa does not need charity; it needs genuine partnerships based on mutual respect, shared responsibility and common interests,” Laassel said.