Kenya and Morocco have signed 11 instruments of cooperation in a major boost to bilateral relations, signalling a deepening of ties across strategic sectors ranging from agriculture and health to trade, education and security.
The agreements were concluded on Thursday in Nairobi during the inaugural Kenya–Morocco Joint Commission of Cooperation, co-chaired at ministerial level, marking a new phase in structured engagement between the two countries.
The instruments cover agriculture, justice, health, fisheries and aquaculture, gender equality and women’s empowerment, cultural cooperation, higher education, scholarships, internships, sports, immigration and wildlife management.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi said the new agreements build on five Memoranda of Understanding signed on May 27, 2025, in Rabat during his official visit at the invitation of Morocco’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Nasser Bourita.
“These instruments now lay the groundwork for practical collaboration. The true measure of our success will lie in the impact these instruments will have on the lives of our citizens and not just in the documents signed,” Mudavadi said.
He described Morocco as a strategic partner in advancing Kenya’s economic transformation agenda and South-South cooperation, noting that the North African kingdom has made significant strides in renewable energy, automotive manufacturing, agro-processing, pharmaceuticals and large-scale infrastructure.
"Kenya is keen to tap into Morocco’s comparative advantages as it implements the newly signed agreements, particularly in industrial development and value addition," he said.
Trade and investment featured prominently in the talks, with both sides reaffirming their commitment to enhancing market access and leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework to expand opportunities for businesses.
Mudavadi said the two countries agreed to promote closer collaboration between their private sectors to unlock emerging opportunities and facilitate mutually beneficial trade.
In a move expected to strengthen connectivity, the two governments also agreed to prioritise the resumption of direct flights between Kenya and Morocco under the Bilateral Air Services Agreement.
The direct air link is seen as key to boosting trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
On education, Mudavadi thanked the Moroccan government for continuing to offer fully sponsored scholarships to Kenyan students at undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels.
The two sides have now concluded additional agreements on scholarships and higher education to further institutionalise academic cooperation.
Agriculture remains a central pillar of the partnership, with Morocco supporting Kenya through the provision of affordable fertiliser, technology transfer and investments in local production capacity.
"The collaboration is aimed at enhancing productivity and strengthening food security," Mudavadi emphasised.
In the health sector, Kenya expressed appreciation for Morocco’s support in specialised medical treatment and capacity building.
Mudavadi particularly acknowledged the role of Her Highness Princess Lalla Asmaa, who, in November 2025, supported a medical mission that saw 60 children receive cochlear implants, alongside donations of surgical kits.
Morocco has also supported free eye clinics in Kenya, benefiting hundreds of patients.
At the regional and multilateral levels, the two countries reaffirmed their shared commitment to promoting peace, security and sustainable development within the African Union and the United Nations frameworks.
Mudavadi said Kenya supports the United Nations-led process as the exclusive mechanism for finding a lasting political solution to the Sahara issue, in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, including Resolution 2756 (2024).
The Joint Commission resolved that the next session will be held in Morocco on dates to be agreed through diplomatic channels, underscoring both countries’ intention to sustain momentum in their growing partnership.
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