Kenya has officially endorsed Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, marking a significant departure from decades of support for the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).
Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi announced the shift during his visit to Rabat on Monday, where he inaugurated Kenya’s first embassy in Morocco.
Mudavadi and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita signed a joint communique affirming Kenya’s support for Morocco’s sovereignty claims over the contested territory.
Kenya described Morocco’s autonomy proposal as “the only credible and realistic solution” to the Western Sahara dispute, aligning with many African, Arab, and Western nations.
“This step is consistent with Kenya’s new foreign policy approach focused on pragmatic partnerships and economic cooperation,” Mudavadi said in a statement.
Historically, Kenya recognized the SADR in 2005 and maintained strong ties, with Sahrawi leaders attending key national events in Nairobi.
However, under President William Ruto’s administration, Kenya has prioritized stronger diplomatic and trade relations with Morocco.
During the Rabat visit, the two countries signed five memoranda of understanding covering housing, youth affairs, trade promotion, diplomatic training, and public service.
Morocco also pledged to fast-track exports of phosphate and fertilizers to Kenya, while Nairobi aims to boost exports of tea, coffee, and fresh produce.
The Western Sahara remains a disputed territory, with Morocco claiming sovereignty and the Algeria-backed Polisario Front seeking independence.
Kenya also expressed support for Morocco’s initiative to connect landlocked Sahel nations to Atlantic trade routes, reflecting deeper regional strategic ties.
This shift signals Nairobi’s pursuit of pragmatic diplomacy and economic cooperation in a complex geopolitical landscape.