The Kenyan government has approved a deal allowing Rwanda to import up to 40,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products through the Port of Mombasa and Kenya’s pipeline network, in a move aimed at boosting regional energy trade.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi announced the Cabinet decision after holding bilateral talks in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on July 27, 2026, with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Olivier Jean Patrick Nduhungirehe.
Mudavadi said the agreement demonstrates Kenya’s commitment to strengthening economic ties with neighbouring countries and enhancing its role as East Africa’s preferred transport and energy corridor.
"The Kenyan Cabinet has approved the movement of about 40,000 metric tonnes of fuel to Rwanda through our pipeline from Mombasa. We are committed to ensuring deeper economic cooperation with our neighbours," Mudavadi said.
Under the arrangement, Rwanda, which is a landlocked country, will receive fuel imports through the Port of Mombasa before the products are transported using Kenya’s petroleum storage and pipeline infrastructure.
The deal translates to about 52 million litres of fuel, equivalent to roughly Rwanda’s monthly consumption.
Rwandan Foreign Affairs Minister Olivier Nduhungirehe said the agreement would improve the country’s energy security and ensure a more stable supply of petroleum products.
"That will be about 52 million litres, which is roughly our country’s monthly fuel consumption. It will serve us well," he said.
Implementation of the deal will involve designated agencies, including Rwanda National Energy Company and the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), working alongside government institutions from both countries.
The deal supports Rwanda's strategy to diversify import routes, strengthen fuel security and make petroleum products available for economic growth and industrial development.
Currently, Rwanda imports petroleum products mainly through the ports of Mombasa in Kenya and Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, with supplies transported by road.
The new arrangement is expected to increase the share of Rwanda’s fuel imports passing through the Mombasa route, while boosting Kenya’s position as a regional logistics and petroleum transit hub.
During the engagement with his Rwandan counterpart, PCS Mudavadi also sought Rwanda's support for Judge Phoebe Okowa, Kenya's candidate for election to the International Court of Justice (2027–2036), and Justice
Njoki Ndu'ng'u, Kenya's candidate for election to the International Criminal Court, saying their election would strengthen Kenya's contribution to international justice while advancing Africa's voice in global institutions.
"Together, Kenya and Rwanda continue to demonstrate that regional cooperation is not just about diplomacy; it is about delivering shared prosperity, stronger economies and greater opportunities for our people," he concluded.