Kenya has backtracked on its earlier decision to recognise the Western Sahara region after it formally declared its support for Morocco.
On Monday, Kenya said it is also supporting Morocco's plan to give the disputed breakaway region autonomy under the North African kingdom's sovereignity.
Kenya joined a growing number of African, Arab and Western countries that have tilted towards backing Rabat in the five-decade conflict.
Following the agreement, Kenya stands to benefit from Morocco, which has agreed to supply phosphates and fertiliser to aid the country's agricultural sector, which the government has been keen on revitalising. Morocco is one of the leading nations in the production of phosphates and fertiliser.
Further, Kenya stands to benefit from cooperation on renewable energies, tourism, fisheries, security, religious and cultural ties.
Morocco, a leading phosphates and fertilizer producer, has agreed to immediately accelerate exports of soil nutrients to Kenya, as the two countries plan to cooperate on renewable energies, tourism, fisheries, security and cultural and religious affairs, the joint statement said.
Discussions are underway for establishing a fertiliser factory in Kenya, potentially in collaboration with Morocco's state-owned OCP Group. Such a facility would enhance local production capacities, reduce reliance on imports, and create employment opportunities.
Further, Kenya aims to increase its exports of tea, coffee, and fresh produce to Morocco, seeking to balance the trade dynamics between the two nations.
Kenya also endorsed Morocco's initiative to provide landlocked Sahel countries with access to global trade routes via Moroccan Atlantic ports. This support aligns with Kenya's commitment to regional integration and economic development.
Meanwhile, Kenya inaugurated its embassy in Rabat, signalling a strengthening of diplomatic ties and paving the way for deeper engagement in various bilateral initiatives.
The long-frozen conflict, dating back to 1975, pits Morocco, which considers the territory as its own, against the Algeria-backed Polisario front, which seeks an independent state in the desert territory, according to Reuters.
In a joint statement issued after talks between the two countries' foreign ministers in Rabat, Kenya said it views the Moroccan plan as the only credible and realistic solution and the sole sustainable approach.
Initially, Kenya was among 41 UN member states that recognised the Sahrawi state and had been pushing for a cease-fire with Morocco.
