Throne Day Celebration Sparks New Era of Morocco–Kenya Diplomatic Relations

At a high-profile Throne Day celebration in Nairobi, Kenya formally backs Morocco’s autonomy plan for Western Sahara, marking a pivotal moment in North-South African relations.

NAIROBI, Kenya – August 3, 2025
In a symbolic and strategically significant diplomatic move, the Republic of Kenya has officially voiced its support for Morocco’s autonomy initiative in Western Sahara. The endorsement came during a solemn and well-attended celebration of Morocco’s 26th Throne Day at the Moroccan Embassy in Nairobi, where Kenyan and Moroccan officials gathered to mark the reign of King Mohammed VI.

“This endorsement is not only a reaffirmation of our bilateral friendship but a clear signal that Kenya stands with Morocco in favor of stability, peace, and pragmatic solutions for Africa,” said Amb. George Orina, Director-General for Bilateral Affairs at Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Morocco’s Ambassador to Kenya, Abderrazzak Laassel, hailed the moment as a “diplomatic milestone,” emphasizing the growing alignment between African states in support of Morocco’s territorial integrity.

A Strategic Shift in Continental Politics

Kenya’s support reflects a growing continental trend. More African Union member states are reassessing their positions on Western Sahara, a disputed territory claimed by the Algeria-backed Polisario Front. Morocco’s 2007 autonomy plan proposes local self-governance under Moroccan sovereignty and has steadily gained international legitimacy.

Kenya had previously maintained a neutral stance on the issue. Its explicit support for Morocco now places it among a growing list of African countries, including Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, that have publicly recognized or supported Morocco’s proposal.

“Kenya’s recognition is a turning point for the African Union,” said Dr. Sarah Ndirangu, a regional geopolitics analyst based in Nairobi. “It shows growing support for practical, African-led solutions that ensure territorial integrity and regional peace.”

Human and Regional Impact

The conflict over Western Sahara has displaced tens of thousands of Sahrawis and frozen political cooperation in the Maghreb for decades. Kenya’s endorsement bolsters Morocco’s efforts to gain pan-African backing, potentially isolating separatist movements and opening new doors for conflict resolution and investment cooperation across the continent.

“Support like Kenya’s brings us closer to ending the suffering of Sahrawi refugees and integrating the region into the broader African development framework,” said Fatima El Mansouri, a Moroccan parliamentarian.

Bilateral Cooperation Strengthens

The event also underscored expanding bilateral ties between Rabat and Nairobi. Both countries reaffirmed cooperation on key development areas, including infrastructure, green energy, education, and technology.

Moroccan Ambassador Laassel highlighted that new joint ventures and academic exchanges are in the pipeline for late 2025. “Morocco and Kenya are building not just diplomatic bridges, but channels of shared prosperity and innovation,” he stated.

Looking Ahead

The timing of Kenya’s endorsement—during a national celebration of Morocco’s monarchy—adds ceremonial weight and diplomatic symbolism. It also comes amid Morocco’s rising role as a continental economic and security partner, bolstered by major African infrastructure investments and growing diplomatic missions across sub-Saharan Africa.

Experts say Kenya’s move could pressure other regional powers to take clearer stances on the Western Sahara issue, accelerating political momentum toward a long-awaited resolution.