NAROBI, June 30 – Kenya and Rwanda have signed three agreements establishing a government-to-government framework for the importation of petroleum products, marking a significant step towards strengthening regional energy cooperation and improving fuel supply across East Africa.
The agreements, signed on Monday, comprise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a Tripartite Agreement, and a Transport and Storage Agreement. According to statements issued by the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) and Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade, the framework will govern the importation, transportation and storage of petroleum products destined for Rwanda.
According to Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade, the partnership is expected to “boost security and continuity of petroleum supply, free up logistical bottlenecks and make import flows more predictable.”
The ministry added that the agreement supports Rwanda’s long-term strategy to diversify its import corridors, strengthen national fuel security and ensure a reliable supply of petroleum products to support economic growth and industrial development.
Under the arrangement, designated institutions including the Rwanda National Energy Company and the Kenya Pipeline Company will work alongside relevant government agencies in both countries to implement the framework.
As a landlocked country, Rwanda imports all of its petroleum products by road through the ports of Mombasa in Kenya and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania. The new partnership aims to increase the volume of fuel transported through the Kenyan corridor by leveraging Kenya’s pipeline network and fuel storage infrastructure.
The Kenya Pipeline Company said the first shipment under the new arrangement is scheduled to arrive at the Port of Mombasa between 4 and 6 September, marking the operational launch of the partnership.
The agreement reflects growing efforts by East African countries to strengthen cross-border infrastructure, improve supply chain resilience and deepen regional economic integration. By expanding the use of Kenya’s petroleum logistics network, both countries aim to reduce transport bottlenecks, improve fuel availability and support long-term industrial and commercial growth across the region.
