By Bukeni | Nairobi, May 28, 2025
Kenya has officially thrown its support behind Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, signaling a decisive shift in the country’s long-standing position on the decades-old territorial dispute. In a joint statement issued after high-level diplomatic talks in Rabat, Kenya endorsed Morocco’s proposal as “the only credible and realistic solution” to the conflict, placing itself among a growing number of African and global nations aligning with Rabat.
The Moroccan autonomy plan offers the people of Western Sahara self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty, rejecting full independence—a proposal that continues to be opposed by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front, which advocates for an independent Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR).
Diplomatic Relations Strengthened
The endorsement comes amid renewed diplomatic engagement between Kenya and Morocco. Kenya inaugurated an embassy in Rabat, underscoring its commitment to enhancing bilateral ties. The two nations also agreed to broaden cooperation in strategic sectors such as:
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Renewable energy
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Fisheries and maritime development
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Tourism and cultural exchange
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National security collaboration
Economic Diplomacy at the Forefront
Economic incentives are central to the evolving relationship. Morocco, a major global exporter of phosphates and fertilizers, has pledged to increase agricultural supply exports to Kenya. In return, Kenya aims to grow its market share in Morocco by exporting more tea, coffee, and horticultural products.
This shift reflects the Ruto administration’s broader pivot toward economic diplomacy, where pragmatic trade partnerships are increasingly prioritized over historical ideological alignments.
A Reversal of Longstanding Policy
This position marks a clear departure from Kenya’s previous support for the SADR. In 2022, shortly after President William Ruto took office, Kenya announced it would rescind recognition of the SADR, though the Foreign Ministry later clarified that the country’s stance remained aligned with the African Union’s call for a referendum in Western Sahara.
Today’s endorsement of Morocco’s autonomy plan suggests a more conclusive stance and a willingness to break from AU orthodoxy.
Geopolitical Ripples in Africa
Kenya’s decision may strain relations with Algeria and other AU member states that support Sahrawi independence. However, it positions Kenya closer to North African powers and global actors such as the United States and France, which also back Morocco’s plan.
Observers say this strategic realignment underlines Kenya’s ambition to strengthen its geopolitical and economic influence on the continent.
