Kenya has thrown its weight behind Morocco’s autonomy plan for the disputed region of Western Sahara, joining a growing number of African, Arab, and Western nations supporting Rabat’s stance in the decades-long territorial conflict.
In a joint statement issued Monday after high-level talks between Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita in Rabat, Kenya affirmed that Morocco’s autonomy proposal is the “only credible and realistic solution” to resolve the Western Sahara dispute.
The conflict over Western Sahara dates back to 1975 and pits Morocco — which considers the territory part of its sovereign land — against the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which seeks independence for the desert region.
Kenya’s endorsement signals a deepening of diplomatic ties between Nairobi and Rabat, which also saw Kenya officially open an embassy in Morocco’s capital on the same day. The two nations are marking 60 years of bilateral relations.
Morocco, a key global exporter of phosphates and fertilizers, has pledged to fast-track the export of soil nutrients to Kenya. Additionally, both nations committed to enhanced cooperation across sectors including renewable energy, tourism, fisheries, security, and cultural and religious exchanges.
Foreign Minister Bourita welcomed Kenya’s position, calling Western Sahara “the national cause” and noting that the support from Nairobi would inject “new impetus” into their bilateral engagement.
On his part, CS Mudavadi emphasized that Kenya is keen on balancing trade by increasing the export of tea, coffee, and fresh produce to Morocco.
Kenya also expressed support for Morocco’s initiative to offer landlocked Sahel nations access to global markets via Moroccan Atlantic ports, further strengthening its regional economic engagement.
The developments mark a significant diplomatic shift and economic partnership, reflecting Kenya’s broader foreign policy goals in North Africa and the Sahel region.
