Morocco and Kenya normalize their relations

The Kenyan Ambassador to Morocco, Jessica Muthoni Gakinya, presented her credentials to the Moroccan Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita, on Friday, August 30, in Rabat, as reported by Moroccan diplomacy. Gakinya was appointed to this position on March 8 by President William Ruto and was confirmed by Parliament in April.

Kenyan media describe the meeting between Bourita and Gakinya as «a significant development after decades of cautious relations» and «final step towards formalizing ties between the two nations».

The rapprochement between Rabat and Nairobi was facilitated by the African Union Commission's presidency. According to the same source, «as Kenya prepares for the AUC elections scheduled for February next year, the timing of this diplomatic overture to Morocco is no coincidence. The government is keen to secure the support of Morocco, a formidable diplomatic force within the AU, for Raila Odinga, Kenya’s candidate for the AUC Chairmanship».

For the record, on March 21 in Rabat, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita received Kenya's Principal Secretary in charge of Foreign Affairs, Abraham Korir Singoei, who delivered a message from President William Ruto to King Mohammed VI.

In December 2023, Kenyan senators urged the government to open an embassy in Morocco, an initiative they believe will help turn the page on the previously tense relations between the two countries, particularly after President Ruto's backpedaling in September 2022 on the break with the «SADR».