June 30 — Kenya and Rwanda signed three agreements on Monday to establish a government-to-government framework for fuel imports bound for Rwanda, the Kenya Pipeline Company and Rwanda’s Trade Ministry said in statements on X.
The agreements include a memorandum of understanding, a tripartite agreement, and a transport and storage agreement. Together, they are designed to support the movement, storage, and supply of petroleum products through Kenyan infrastructure.
Rwanda said the partnership would improve the security and continuity of petroleum supply, ease logistical bottlenecks, and make import flows more predictable. The deal also supports Rwanda’s strategy to diversify import routes, strengthen fuel security, and ensure the availability of petroleum products for economic growth and industrial development.
Designated institutions, including the Rwanda National Energy Company and the Kenya Pipeline Company, will begin implementing the agreement in coordination with government agencies from both countries.
Landlocked Rwanda imports all of its petroleum products overland through two main ports: Dar es Salaam in Tanzania and Mombasa in Kenya. The new arrangement aims to shift a larger share of Rwanda’s fuel imports to the Mombasa route by using Kenya’s storage and pipeline infrastructure.
The Kenya Pipeline Company said the first cargo under the agreement is expected to arrive in Mombasa between September 4 and September 6, marking the start of operations under the partnership.
