Kenya, Morocco deepen ties ink new bilateral deals, trade talks

Kenya and Morocco have signed Monday signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and expanding cooperation in key sectors for both countries.

Speaking during the signing of the agreements at a high-level visit to Rabat, where Kenyan delegation was hosted by Nasser Bourita, Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi expressed commitment by the government of Kenya to ensuring the active implementation of the agreements for the benefit of both countries.

“During the visit, Kenya and Morocco signed diverse instruments of cooperation in the form of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) in the fields of Housing and Development, Trade, Youth Affairs, Foreign Service Academies, and between the Kenya School of Government and the National Higher School of Administration of the Kingdom of Morocco.” He said.

Adding that: “The government of Kenya looks forward to the active implementation of the MOUs for the Mutual benefits of the brotherly countries.”

Trade Imbalances

A major focus of the CS’s visit was addressing the current trade imbalance, which is heavily skewed in Morocco’s favor.

According to CS Mudavadi, Morocco export fertilizer and other commodities worth Ksh.12 billion to Kenya, while Kenya export a paltry Ksh. 500 million worth of commodities in return.

He urged Morocco to increase its imports of Kenya tea, coffee and fresh produce as part of improving the balance of trade.

“During my visit, we pushed for Morocco to increase its imports of Kenyan tea, coffee, and fresh produce as part of improving the balance of trade.” Mudavadi urged.

Education and employment opportunities

Additionally, Kenya sought to expand education and employment opportunities for its citizens in Morocco.

“We also pursued for an increased number of scholarships for the Kenyan students studying in Morocco from the current 20. As well as the push to 1 of 2 have Kenyan teachers employed by the Kingdom of Morocco to teach English, which is a growing language in the country.”

Kenya further advocated for direct flights between Kenya and key Moroccan cities Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech to boost tourism, trade, and connectivity.

He further requested Morocco to consider offering concessional fertilizer rates to Kenyan farmers, supporting agricultural productivity and food security.

“We also pushed for Morocco to give Kenyan farmers a concessional rate on fertilizer and allow for a free airspace for Kenya to be able to have direct flights to the cities of Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech.” The CS urged.

On the political front, the two countries agreed to continue to pursue their engagements within the frameworks of the African Union and the United Nations for the continued peace and security regionally and across the world.

The visit marked a significant milestone in the long-standing relationship between the two nations, setting the stage for deeper engagement and mutual development.