NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya has approved a new fuel transit arrangement that will allow Rwanda to import more than 40,000 metric tonnes of petroleum products through the Port of Mombasa and Kenya’s pipeline network, in a move expected to strengthen regional trade and improve energy security.
The approval was announced by Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi following bilateral talks with Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Jean Nduhungirehe.
The agreement enables fuel destined for Rwanda to be discharged at the Port of Mombasa before being transported through Kenya’s pipeline infrastructure, providing Kigali with a more reliable supply route while boosting utilisation of Kenya’s petroleum logistics network.
Cabinet Clears Fuel Transit Arrangement
Mudavadi said the Cabinet had approved the movement of more than 40,000 metric tonnes of fuel through Kenya’s pipeline system, reaffirming the country’s commitment to strengthening trade relations with neighbouring states.
“The Kenyan Cabinet approves the movement of about 40,000 metric tonnes to Rwanda through our pipeline from Mombasa; we are committed to ensuring a deeper relationship with our neighbours,” Mudavadi said.
The arrangement is expected to reinforce Kenya’s position as a regional petroleum transit hub while supporting broader efforts to enhance economic integration within the East African Community.
Rwanda Welcomes Agreement
Rwanda welcomed the approval, saying the allocated fuel volumes would be sufficient to meet approximately one month’s national fuel demand.
Foreign Affairs Minister Nduhungirehe said the deal would improve the country’s supply stability by providing more efficient access to imported petroleum products.
“That will be about 52 million litres, which is about our consumption in a month; it will serve us well,” he said.
As a landlocked country, Rwanda relies on transport corridors through neighbouring countries to import fuel and other essential commodities, making efficient regional infrastructure critical to maintaining stable supplies.
Broader Bilateral Cooperation
Beyond the fuel transit agreement, the two ministers reaffirmed the longstanding diplomatic and economic ties between Kenya and Rwanda and pledged to deepen cooperation across areas of mutual interest.
Mudavadi also used the meeting to seek Rwanda’s support for Kenya’s candidates seeking election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying Kenya remains committed to strengthening regional partnerships and increasing Africa’s representation in international judicial institutions.
