Kenya’s First Lady Rachel Ruto Arrives in Morocco for Working Visit

Kenya’s First Lady Rachel Ruto arrived in Morocco on Monday for a working visit, in a trip that brings together senior figures from the two countries amid continued efforts to strengthen Morocco-Kenya relations.

Rachel Ruto arrived at Rabat-Sale Airport, where Princess Lalla Asmaa welcomed her on behalf of Morocco.

The arrival ceremony reflected the importance attached to the visit, with the Kenyan First Lady receiving an official welcome before she and Princess Lalla Asmaa met Moroccan and Kenyan officials at the airport.

The two were greeted by Mohamed Yacoubi, Wali of the Rabat-Sale-Kénitra region and governor of Rabat Prefecture; Rachid El Abdi, president of the Rabat-Sale-Kénitra Regional Council; and Omar Touimi, governor of Sale Prefecture.

Omar Sentissi, president of the Sale Municipal Council, also attended the reception, alongside Mohamed Methqal, ambassador and director general of the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI), and Karim Essakalli, delegated president of the Lalla Asmaa Foundation.

Kenya’s Ambassador to Morocco Jessica Gakinya, members of the Kenyan Embassy, and officials from Rachel Ruto’s delegation were also present to receive Princess Lalla Asmaa.

The visit also featured a traditional Moroccan welcome for the Kenyan First Lady, who received milk and dates in a customary gesture of Moroccan hospitality toward visiting dignitaries.

Following a brief stop at the Royal Lounge of Rabat-Sale Airport, Rachel Ruto and Princess Lalla Asmaa departed for the residence of the Kenyan First Lady.

Rachel Ruto’s visit comes within the broader context of Morocco’s growing engagement with African partners and its efforts to deepen South-South cooperation. 

Morocco and Kenya have maintained diplomatic relations for decades, with ties that span political dialogue, economic cooperation, education, culture, and development.

The visit provides an opportunity to further reinforce the people-to-people dimension of relations between the two African countries, while placing renewed attention on cooperation beyond traditional diplomatic and political channels.

MWN with MAP