Kenya and Rwanda have signed a landmark government-to-government agreement that will allow Rwanda to import refined petroleum products through Kenya’s Northern Corridor, a move expected to strengthen regional trade, improve energy security and increase the utilisation of Kenya’s petroleum infrastructure.
The agreement establishes a structured framework that will enable Rwanda to source refined fuel through the Port of Mombasa before transporting it inland using Kenya’s pipeline and storage network.
Three agreements to guide fuel imports
The partnership is anchored on three key agreements—a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a Tripartite Agreement (TPA) and a Transport and Storage Agreement (TSA)—which together provide the legal and operational framework for the importation, transportation and storage of refined petroleum products destined for Rwanda.
The agreements formalise cooperation between the two countries and are expected to streamline fuel supply while improving efficiency in cross-border petroleum trade.
Kenya Pipeline Company to provide transport and storage
Under the new arrangement, the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) will be responsible for transporting and storing fuel imported for Rwanda.
The state corporation will use its extensive pipeline network, petroleum storage facilities and the Kisumu Oil Jetty to facilitate the movement of refined products from the Port of Mombasa to Rwanda.
The agreement is expected to increase fuel volumes handled by KPC, improving the utilisation of its pipeline infrastructure and storage capacity while enhancing operational efficiency.
The partnership is also expected to reinforce Kenya’s position as a regional logistics and energy hub, serving neighbouring countries through the Northern Corridor transport network.
Regional trade expected to benefit
The new framework is expected to strengthen economic ties between Kenya and Rwanda by creating a more reliable and efficient fuel supply chain.
Energy sector stakeholders believe the arrangement will improve fuel availability, lower logistical bottlenecks and support regional integration under the East African Community by facilitating smoother movement of petroleum products across borders.
The agreement also highlights the growing use of government-to-government frameworks in securing petroleum supplies, offering participating countries greater coordination in procurement and distribution.
First shipment expected in September
Implementation of the agreement is set to begin later this year.
Officials confirmed that the first shipment under the new framework, designated RNEC 001/2026, is expected to arrive at the Port of Mombasa between September 4 and September 6, 2026, marking the operational rollout of the partnership.
Once received, the fuel will be transported through Kenya’s pipeline network before being delivered to Rwanda.
The latest agreement underscores ongoing efforts by both governments to deepen bilateral cooperation, enhance regional connectivity and strengthen energy security through modern transport and storage infrastructure.
As demand for petroleum products continues to grow across East Africa, the partnership is expected to play a key role in improving supply reliability while supporting trade and economic development throughout the region.
