The Government of Makueni County in Kenya has entered a landmark partnership with the Marrakech-Safi Region of the Kingdom of Morocco. This 5-year agreement, valued at 20 million Moroccan Dirhams (approximately Ksh 264 million), marks a significant step toward fostering sustainable development and regional cooperation between the two regions. Signed by Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior and President Samir Goudar of the Marrakech-Safi Region during a Regional Council session, the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) covers key sectors such as agriculture, renewable energy, water management, health services, education, and climate change.
This collaboration is particularly crucial as both regions face unique challenges related to sustainable development. With this agreement, Makueni County is set to benefit from the vast experience and expertise of the Marrakech-Safi Region in critical areas such as water harvesting, agricultural productivity, and renewable energy, while also contributing knowledge and innovation from Kenya’s unique context.
A Strategic Partnership for Regional Development
The partnership was formalized during a high-profile event attended by key dignitaries from both regions. The ceremony brought together Farid Chourak, representative of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Wali of the region, and Governor of Marrakech Prefecture, along with seven governors from various provinces in the Marrakech-Safi Region. Their presence underscored the importance of the agreement in advancing regional cooperation under the framework of South-South collaboration, a strategic focus of King Mohammed VI’s vision for Africa.
The MoU seeks to enhance knowledge exchange and collaboration in multiple sectors, positioning both regions to tackle pressing development challenges. Jointly financed development projects will be key to achieving these goals, with a strong focus on water management, agriculture, renewable energy, and climate resilience.
Makueni Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior hailed the agreement as a historic milestone for his county, emphasizing its potential to drive significant socio-economic development and uplift local communities. “This agreement is not just a partnership between two regions; it is a model for broader inter-regional cooperation across Africa, helping us achieve shared goals of prosperity, development, and peace,” he said.
Key Areas of Cooperation
The MoU identifies several critical areas where the two regions will collaborate. These include:
- Agriculture and Water Management:
Both Makueni and Marrakech-Safi face significant challenges related to agriculture, especially in the context of climate change and water scarcity. Marrakech-Safi is internationally recognized for its excellence in agricultural production, particularly in fruit and olive processing, and is the world’s leading exporter of sardines. Its advanced water management techniques, which ensure reliable water supply for both agriculture and domestic use, will serve as a valuable model for Makueni County, which is located in a semi-arid region of Kenya.As part of the agreement, Marrakech-Safi will share its expertise in water harvesting and irrigation technologies to improve agricultural productivity in Makueni. The collaboration also includes the supply of phosphorus-based fertilizers from the OCP Group, one of the world’s largest producers of phosphates, to boost agricultural output in Makueni. - Renewable Energy:
Morocco has set ambitious goals for renewable energy, targeting 52% of its energy mix from renewable sources by 2030 and 80% by 2050. Through this partnership, Makueni County will gain access to knowledge and best practices in harnessing solar and wind energy. This collaboration aligns with Kenya’s own efforts to expand its renewable energy capacity, particularly in solar energy. - Healthcare and Education:
The MoU also includes provisions for improving health services and education in Makueni County. Healthcare professionals from Makueni will receive advanced medical training in Morocco, while five fully funded scholarships for undergraduate and postgraduate studies at the Université Privée de Marrakech will be awarded to students from Makueni County. This investment in human capital is expected to play a critical role in enhancing local healthcare services and driving innovation in the education sector. - Climate Change and Environmental Resilience:
Both regions are increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, such as droughts and extreme weather events. The agreement includes joint projects aimed at building climate resilience, particularly in agriculture and water management. By leveraging Marrakech-Safi’s experience in managing scarce water resources, Makueni will be better positioned to cope with the effects of climate change, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for its population.
Funding and Implementation
The implementation of this MoU will be supported by the African Fund for International Decentralized Cooperation of Local Authorities (FACDI), which is expected to provide financing for the first year of the agreement. The proposal for the first year of financing is estimated at Ksh 52.8 million, with FACDI funding up to 60% of the project costs (capped at MAD 2.4 million, or Ksh 38 million). The remaining 40% will be shared between the Marrakech-Safi Region (30%) and Makueni County (10%).
This financial arrangement reflects a strong commitment from both regions to invest in projects that will benefit their populations. In addition to long-term projects, immediate sector-specific initiatives have already been unveiled, including collaborations in agriculture, renewable energy, and water management. These early initiatives are expected to yield quick wins, helping to build momentum for the larger, more complex development projects.
Supporting Regional and Continental Goals
The Makueni-Marrakech-Safi partnership is aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which emphasizes sustainable development, regional integration, and the promotion of peace and prosperity across the continent. The agreement also builds on Morocco’s broader strategy of enhancing South-South cooperation, particularly in the context of African development.
For Makueni County, this partnership represents an opportunity to accelerate its development agenda by tapping into Marrakech-Safi’s leadership in key sectors. The two regions share many common challenges, including the need for improved agricultural productivity, climate resilience, and energy security. By working together, they can develop solutions that benefit both regions while also contributing to Africa’s broader development goals.
Cultural and Educational Exchange
In addition to the technical and economic aspects of the partnership, the MoU also highlights the importance of cultural exchange. Marrakech-Safi is known for its rich cultural heritage, including its expertise in crafts like gypsum art, metalwork, and ceramics. These crafts play an important role in preserving cultural traditions while also supporting local economies.
Through this partnership, Makueni County will benefit from knowledge exchange in the cultural sector, helping to promote cultural preservation and economic development through the arts. The agreement also includes leadership training for Makueni County Assembly officials, fostering a more effective governance structure that can better serve the needs of the local population.
Looking Ahead
As Makueni County embarks on this journey of collaboration with the Marrakech-Safi Region, the potential for mutual growth and development is significant. This partnership provides a unique opportunity for Makueni to leverage the strengths of a region that has become a global leader in agriculture, renewable energy, and water management, while also contributing to the broader goals of sustainable development and regional cooperation in Africa.
Governor Mutula Kilonzo Junior’s leadership and vision in forging this partnership have been instrumental in positioning Makueni County as a key player in regional development. As the two regions move forward with their joint projects, the benefits of this partnership are expected to extend far beyond the borders of Makueni and Marrakech-Safi, offering a model for other regions in Africa to follow.
The collaboration between Makueni and Marrakech-Safi is more than a simple exchange of knowledge and resources—it is a testament to the power of inter-African cooperation in driving sustainable development and improving the lives of communities across the continent.
