MOMBASA, Kenya- Kenya has received 40,000 metric tonnes of refined petroleum products for Rwanda in the first shipment under a bilateral import agreement, with Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi saying the cargo is close to a month’s consumption for the neighbouring country.
The vessel, MT Sea Wolf, arrived at Kipevu Oil Terminal 2 carrying the Rwanda National Energy Company’s maiden consignment under the framework signed on June 29.
Speaking during the welcoming ceremony on Tuesday, Wandayi said the shipment marked the start of a long-term arrangement to move more Rwanda-bound fuel through Kenya’s port, pipeline and storage infrastructure.
“On that day, I stated that Kenya is putting its pipeline, its port and its people at the service of Rwanda’s energy security,” he said, referring to the signing of the agreement.
Kenya targets tenfold growth in fuel transit
Wandayi said the agreement was projected to increase the volume of petroleum products moving to Rwanda through the Northern Corridor tenfold over the coming years.
He did not give a baseline volume or a specific timeline for achieving that growth.
The Northern Corridor connects the Port of Mombasa to markets in the region.
Under the arrangement outlined by Wandayi, the Kenya Ports Authority will handle vessel berthing and cargo discharge, while the Kenya Pipeline Company will provide onward transport and storage.
The network also includes the Kisumu Oil Jetty, which supports the movement of petroleum products along the lake route.
Wandayi said coordination between the two agencies would be central to ensuring reliable deliveries to Rwanda.
“Together, the two institutions give Rwanda a seamless path from the Port of Mombasa to its market,” he said.
Assurances on security of supply
The Cabinet Secretary pledged government support to ensure Rwanda-bound cargo moves reliably as import volumes increase.
He said state agencies would be required to provide operational flexibility, alongside continued investment in the infrastructure serving the route.
“Our obligation to Rwanda is simple and firm. Kenya will provide a transit environment that guarantees the security of supply of bulk refined petroleum products over the long term,” Wandayi said.
“This is a long-term partnership, not a one-off gesture.”
He described predictable fuel supplies as essential to trade, industry and livelihoods across the East African Community, linking the agreement to wider regional economic integration.
The ceremony was attended by Rwanda’s Minister of State in the Ministry of Infrastructure, Armand Zingiro, Rwanda National Energy Company Director Chris Twagirimana, Kenya Ports Authority Managing Director Captain William Ruto and Kenya Pipeline Company Acting Managing Director Pius Mwendwa.
Lamu refinery cited as future supplier
Wandayi also pointed to the proposed Lamu refinery as a potential future source of refined petroleum products for Rwanda and other regional markets.
He said Kenya intended to expand its role beyond providing a transit route for fuel imported from overseas.
“Soon, Kenya will provide not only a route for imported products but also finished product from the Lamu Refinery, giving Rwanda and the wider region another dependable source of supply,” he said.
He did not give a date for when the proposed refinery would begin supplying fuel.
