In a significant development for both nations, Kenya and Morocco convened the first Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) meeting in Nairobi, marking a formalization of their growing relationship. The meeting aimed to structure and expand the bilateral ties that have been evolving over the years. Abraham Korir Sing’Oei, leading the Moroccan delegation, emphasized the need for a more structured framework that would provide clear priorities and measurable outcomes. Sing’Oei highlighted the ongoing cooperation in political, economic, and cultural sectors, noting the intention to transform this momentum into tangible agreements.
The Moroccan ambassador in Nairobi, Abderrazzak Laassel, characterized the relationship as a long — standing one that, while conceptually strong, has yet to fully materialize in practical terms. Laassel pointed out that the JCC serves as a platform to translate mutual respect into more cohesive institutional coordination.
On the Kenyan side, Jessica Gakinya, a representative, expressed optimism about accelerating cooperation in sectors such as information and communication technology (ICT), trade, investment, and air links. Gakinya also spoke of the alignment between the two countries in multilateral forums, where they have increasingly found common ground over recent years.
Diplomatic relations between Kenya and Morocco stretch back decades, but the late 2010s have seen a marked increase in visibility and engagement. Morocco has been expanding its presence in East Africa, part of a broader strategy across the continent, with investments in various sectors including banking, fertilizers, and renewable energy. Kenya, a leading economy in the region, has been seeking to diversify its partnerships away from traditional allies.
The strengthening ties are further evidenced by increased high — level visits and the opening of embassies in each other’s capitals, signifying a move from symbolic to active engagement. The Nairobi meeting is anticipated to pave the way for a series of bilateral agreements in the near future, although specific timelines were not disclosed.
Source: moroccoworldnews
Original author: Oumaima Moho Amer
