Mudavadi: Kenya exports only a fraction of what it imports from Morocco
By Ascah Mwango, May 25, 2025Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi has raised concerns over the trade imbalance between Kenya and Morocco, noting that Kenya exports far less than it imports from the North African nation.
Mudavadi, who is currently on a three-day official visit to Morocco, highlighted the issue after receiving a detailed briefing on the state of Kenya-Morocco bilateral relations from senior officials at the Kenyan Embassy in Morocco.
The meeting was led by Ambassador Jessica Gakinya and attended by top embassy staff.
During the discussions, Mudavadi emphasised the need to address the existing trade disparity. According to the Prime CS, Kenya currently imports goods worth approximately Ksh12 billion from Morocco, mainly fertilisers and other essential commodities.
However, Mudavadi revealed that Kenyan exports to Morocco stand at a mere Ksh500 million, a gap he described as significant and concerning.
“I met with senior officials of the Kenyan Embassy in the Kingdom of Morocco, led by Ambassador Jessica Gakinya, for a comprehensive briefing on the state of bilateral relations. Our discussions focused on narrowing the existing trade imbalance by enhancing exports of Kenyan tea and coffee to Morocco,” Mudavadi stated.
Adding;
“While our imports, mainly fertilisers and other key commodities, stand at KSh 12 billion, our exports remain significantly lower at just Ksh500 million.”
Increase volume
He stressed the importance of increasing the volume and variety of Kenyan products being exported to Morocco, with a specific focus on tea and coffee, two of Kenya’s most valuable exports.
He also revealed that the meeting touched on ways to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in other key sectors. Mudavadi said the goal is to foster a more balanced and mutually beneficial relationship that serves the interests of both nations.
“We explored practical strategies to boost the volume and diversity of Kenyan exports to foster a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship. We also exchanged views on expanding cooperation in other strategic sectors, ahead of the anticipated signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Monday,” the Prime CS added.
The visit comes ahead of the expected signing of five Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Monday, aimed at deepening collaboration in areas of strategic importance.
Mudavadi is also scheduled to hold high-level bilateral talks with Morocco’s Head of Government and Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch as part of the visit’s agenda.