Rwanda and Kenya have signed a landmark agreement that will allow Rwanda to independently source its bulk refined petroleum products through the Northern Corridor, a move expected to strengthen the country’s energy security, improve the reliability of fuel supplies and deepen regional economic integration.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signed on Monday, June 29, is accompanied by two implementing agreements: a Tripartite Agreement (TPA) involving the Governments of Rwanda and Kenya together with the Rwanda National Energy Company (RNEC), and a Transport and Storage Agreement (TSA) between RNEC and the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC). The agreements establish a structured framework for the transportation, storage and evacuation of petroleum products through Kenya’s petroleum infrastructure.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Minister of Trade and Industry Antoine Kajangwe said the agreement reflects a much broader strategic partnership between the two countries.
“The MoU signing represents far more than the execution of legal instruments. It reflects a shared strategic vision and reaffirms the enduring partnership between the two countries,” Kajangwe said.
He noted that the Northern Corridor has for decades served as a strategic economic lifeline for the region and said the new framework would further reinforce its importance.
“By optimizing the utilization of Kenya’s port and pipeline infrastructure, we are strengthening regional value chains, enhancing supply resilience, improving energy security and advancing the broader objectives of regional economic integration,” he said.
Under the agreement, Rwanda will independently source its bulk petroleum products while utilizing Kenya’s infrastructure for transportation, strategic storage and import coordination. Officials say the arrangement will improve the efficiency, reliability and resilience of Rwanda’s petroleum supply chain while reducing logistical bottlenecks and making fuel imports more predictable.
The Ministry of Trade and Industry said the partnership is expected to deliver enhanced security and continuity of petroleum supplies, greater resilience against regional and global supply disruptions, increased operational efficiency and competitiveness across the petroleum supply chain, and stronger economic cooperation between Rwanda and Kenya.
The ministry added that the agreement supports Rwanda’s broader strategy of diversifying import routes, strengthening fuel security and ensuring the sustainable availability of petroleum products to underpin economic growth and industrial development.
Implementation of the agreements will begin immediately through RNEC and the Kenya Pipeline Company in collaboration with the relevant government agencies of both countries.
“The Government of Rwanda remains committed to maintaining a secure, reliable and efficient petroleum supply system that supports national development and advances regional cooperation for shared prosperity,” the ministry said.
