NAIROBI, Kenya – Kenya and Rwanda have signed a series of agreements establishing a government-to-government framework for petroleum imports, a move aimed at strengthening fuel security, improving supply reliability and enhancing regional energy logistics.
The agreements, signed on 30 June, include a Memorandum of Understanding, a tripartite agreement and a transport and storage agreement that will govern the importation and distribution of fuel destined for Rwanda.
Under the new framework, Rwanda will increase its use of Kenya’s fuel infrastructure, including the port of Mombasa, the pipeline network and storage facilities managed by the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), to support a more reliable and efficient petroleum supply chain.
Rwanda said the partnership is expected to improve the security and continuity of fuel supplies, reduce logistical bottlenecks and create more predictable import flows, supporting the country’s industrial development and broader economic growth.
The agreement also aligns with Rwanda’s strategy to diversify fuel import routes and strengthen long-term energy resilience.
Implementation of the partnership will be led by designated institutions, including the Rwanda National Energy Company and the Kenya Pipeline Company, working alongside relevant government agencies from both countries.
As a landlocked country, Rwanda imports all of its petroleum products overland, primarily through the ports of Mombasa in Kenya and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The new arrangement is expected to shift a larger share of Rwanda’s fuel imports to the Mombasa corridor by leveraging Kenya’s pipeline and storage infrastructure.
According to the Kenya Pipeline Company, the first fuel cargo under the agreement is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Mombasa between 4 and 6 September 2026, marking the operational launch of the new partnership.
The agreement reflects growing regional cooperation to strengthen energy supply chains, improve trade efficiency and support economic integration across East Africa.