Kenya and Rwanda have signed a landmark government-to-government fuel agreement that will see Rwanda significantly increase its refined petroleum imports through the Port of Mombasa and the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) network. The deal marks a major shift in regional energy logistics as Rwanda moves a substantial share of its fuel imports from Tanzanian routes to Kenya’s Northern Corridor, further strengthening Kenya’s position as East Africa’s leading transport and trade gateway.
The agreement includes a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a Tripartite Agreement, and a Transport and Storage Agreement aimed at deepening energy cooperation between Nairobi and Kigali. Under the new framework, Rwanda’s annual refined fuel imports through Kenya are expected to increase more than tenfold—from about 50,000 cubic metres to over 500,000 cubic metres—creating new opportunities for trade, logistics, and infrastructure growth across the region.
A key milestone under the partnership will be the arrival of the first bulk fuel shipment, designated RNEC 001/2026, at the Port of Mombasa. The cargo will be supplied by OQ Trading, the international energy trading arm of the Government of Oman, providing Rwanda with a more reliable and efficient fuel supply chain while boosting activity at Kenya’s busiest seaport.
The agreement is expected to increase cargo volumes through the Port of Mombasa, generate more business for the Kenya Pipeline Company, and strengthen regional trade under the Northern Corridor. Analysts say the partnership reinforces Kenya’s strategic role as East Africa’s energy and logistics hub while promoting closer economic ties with Rwanda through improved cross-border infrastructure, trade, and regional integration.
