Kenya’s Foreign Ministry has defended the performance of its embassy in Rabat after a parliamentary report raised concerns over staffing shortages and unpaid bills, highlighting instead the development of bilateral relations with Morocco since the mission became operational in 2024.
Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Korir Sing’Oei, said, as the Kenyan media reported on Sunday, that the embassy has the human resources required to represent Kenya’s interests in Morocco and the wider region. He pointed to the growing number of bilateral agreements signed between the two countries as evidence of the mission’s diplomatic activity.
According to the Kenyan official, Morocco and Kenya have signed 11 cooperation agreements covering sectors including agriculture, education, fisheries, justice and security. The agreements form part of a broader effort by Rabat and Nairobi to strengthen institutional and economic ties.
The agreements reached in recent years have expanded cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic relations, with education, agriculture and fisheries among the areas receiving particular attention. The two countries have also sought to increase exchanges of expertise and strengthen cooperation between their public institutions.
Economic cooperation is another priority, with Morocco and Kenya looking to expand trade and investment links. Discussions have focused on increasing market access and encouraging business partnerships, particularly in sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure and renewable energy.
The two sides are also working toward new agreements in several strategic areas. According to Kenya’s Foreign Ministry, negotiations are under way on air services, ports, double taxation, energy, mining and tourism, potentially giving the bilateral relationship a stronger economic dimension.
Air connectivity is among the most immediate issues on the agenda. Nairobi and Rabat are discussing arrangements aimed at resuming direct flights between the two capitals, a move that could facilitate tourism, business exchanges and movement between the two countries.
The expansion of cooperation follows the opening of Kenya’s diplomatic mission in Rabat, which Nairobi regards as an important platform for strengthening its engagement with Morocco and the broader North African region.
Kenya’s embassy has meanwhile rejected concerns over its ability to communicate effectively, saying it has staff capable of working in French and Arabic. The mission said it remains committed to maintaining effective communication with Moroccan counterparts and strengthening bilateral relations.
