Kenya has cleared the way for Rwanda to import a significant share of its fuel through the Port of Mombasa after the Cabinet approved a transit arrangement allowing the cargo to move through the country's pipeline network.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign Affairs CS Musalia Mudavadi announced the approval following bilateral talks with Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Jean Nduhungirehe, on Monday. According to Mudavadi, the arrangement will allow more than 40,000 metric tonnes of fuel destined for Rwanda to transit through the Port of Mombasa before being transported via Kenya's pipeline infrastructure.
The deal is expected to provide Rwanda with a more reliable route for importing fuel while increasing the use of Kenya's port and pipeline infrastructure. It also reinforces Kenya's position as East Africa's leading petroleum transit hub, while advancing efforts by both countries to deepen economic cooperation and regional integration.
"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 dealer relationship with our neighbours," said Mudavadi.
Kigali, through its foreign minister, welcomed the move, saying the approved fuel volumes would be sufficient to meet about a month's national demand and help improve supply stability. As a landlocked nation, Rwanda relies on transport corridors through neighbouring countries to receive imported fuel and other essential goods, making access to efficient regional infrastructure critical to maintaining reliable supplies.
"That will be about 52 million litres, which is about our consumption in a month; it will serve us well," said Nduhungirehe.
Beyond the fuel transit arrangement, the two ministers reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Kenya and Rwanda and pledged to continue strengthening cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Mudavadi also announced that he sought Rwanda's support for Kenya's candidates seeking election to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), saying Nairobi remained committed to building stronger regional partnerships and advancing Africa's representation in international institutions.
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