The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Monday, June 29, allowing Rwanda to independently source bulk refined petroleum products while using Kenya's petroleum infrastructure for transportation, storage and evacuation.
The MoU was accompanied by two implementing agreements: a Tripartite Agreement (TPA) between the governments of Rwanda and Kenya and Rwanda National Energy Company (RNEC), and a Transport and Storage Agreement (TSA) between RNEC and Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC).
The agreements establish a structured framework for importing refined petroleum products through Kenya's petroleum infrastructure, including the Port of Mombasa, strategic storage facilities and pipeline network.
Under the partnership, Rwanda will gain improved access to Kenya's petroleum logistics system, enabling better import coordination, strategic storage and pipeline transportation. The arrangement is expected to enhance the efficiency, reliability and resilience of Rwanda's petroleum supply chain.
According to the two governments, the partnership will enhance the security and continuity of petroleum supplies, reduce logistical bottlenecks, improve the predictability of fuel imports, increase operational efficiency across the supply chain and strengthen regional economic integration.
The agreement also aligns with Rwanda's strategy of diversifying import routes, strengthening fuel security and ensuring the sustainable availability of petroleum products to support industrialisation and economic growth.
Implementation of the agreements will begin immediately through RNEC and KPC, working alongside relevant government institutions from both countries.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Rwanda's Minister of Trade and Industry, Tony Kajangwe, described the agreements as a reflection of the two countries' shared commitment to strengthening regional trade and energy security.
'By optimizing the utilization of Kenya's port and pipeline infrastructure, we are strengthening regional value chains, enhancing supply resilience, improving energy security, and advancing the broader objectives of regional economic integration,' he stated.
Kenya's Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, described the agreements as a major milestone for regional integration, saying they fully open the Northern Corridor to Rwanda for the importation of bulk refined petroleum products under government-to-government arrangements.
'Kenya is therefore putting its pipeline, its Port of Mombasa and its people at the service of Rwanda's energy security,' Wandayi said.
He added that Kenya is committed to providing a reliable transit environment to guarantee the long-term security of petroleum supplies destined for Rwanda.
According to Wandayi, petroleum volumes transported to Rwanda through the Northern Corridor are expected to increase more than tenfold, from about 50,000 cubic metres annually to more than 500,000 cubic metres.
He also announced that Rwanda's first cargo under the new framework is expected to arrive at the Port of Mombasa in September 2026, marking the first major milestone in implementing the agreements.
