Rwanda has taken delivery of its first bulk fuel shipment through Kenya after MT Sea Wolf docked at the Kipevu Oil Terminal 2 in Mombasa carrying 40,000 metric tonnes of refined petroleum products, marking the start of a new energy supply framework between the two countries.
According to Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary James Opiyo Wandayi, the cargo is equivalent to nearly one month’s fuel consumption for Rwanda and signals Kenya’s emergence as the preferred route for Rwanda’s petroleum imports.
The vessel’s arrival follows the signing of a framework agreement on June 29 between Kenya and Rwanda covering the importation of bulk refined petroleum products.
The deal allows Rwanda to use Kenya’s port, pipeline and transport infrastructure to access global energy markets through the Northern Corridor.
Speaking during the Rwanda Maiden Vessel Ceremony on Monday, September 28, Wandayi said the arrival of MT Sea Wolf demonstrated Kenya’s readiness to support Rwanda’s energy security needs while deepening regional economic ties.
He said the shipment was not just about a single cargo but the beginning of a long-term partnership that would significantly increase fuel volumes moving through Kenya.
Rwanda Deal to Boost Northern Corridor Volumes
Wandayi said the framework is projected to increase the volume of petroleum products transported to Rwanda through the Northern Corridor tenfold in the coming years.
He described the development as a major vote of confidence in Kenya’s infrastructure, institutions and regulatory systems, noting that it strengthens the country’s standing as the logistics and energy transit hub of the East African Community.
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The Cabinet Secretary said the partnership aligns with broader regional integration goals under the East African Community and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
He noted that Rwanda’s decision to import fuel through Kenya reflects growing confidence in the country’s ability to provide efficient and reliable transit services.
The government expects the arrangement to boost business activity at the Port of Mombasa, increase throughput along the pipeline network and strengthen Kenya’s role in regional trade.
“We are placing our port facilities, pipeline infrastructure and human resources at the service of Rwanda’s energy security,” Wandayi said.
Infrastructure at the Center
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the role of the Kenya Ports Authority and Kenya Pipeline Company in supporting the new fuel supply route.
He said KPA is responsible for receiving vessels and ensuring safe and efficient discharge of cargo, while KPC transports petroleum products through its storage and pipeline network before linking them to onward distribution routes.
According to Wandayi, the institutions work together to provide Rwanda with a seamless supply chain stretching from the Port of Mombasa through Kenya and onwards to the Rwandan market.
He added that the Kisumu Oil Jetty also forms part of the transport corridor supporting the movement of petroleum products.
Wandayi assured Rwanda that Kenya would continue providing a secure and predictable transit environment for bulk petroleum imports over the long term.
He said the government would support state agencies in providing the operational flexibility needed to handle increasing cargo volumes while continuing investments in strategic infrastructure.
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The Cabinet Secretary described fuel security as a shared regional concern, saying reliable fuel supplies support trade, industry and livelihoods across East Africa.
He also revealed that Kenya’s offer to Rwanda would expand further in the future, with the planned Lamu Refinery expected to supply finished petroleum products to regional markets.
Once operational, the refinery is expected to provide Rwanda and other neighboring countries with an additional fuel source beyond imported products.
Wandayi reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to working closely with the Rwandan government and the Rwanda National Energy Company to ensure the route delivers reliable and secure petroleum supplies.
The ceremony concluded with Kenyan and Rwandan officials formally flagging in MT Sea Wolf, officially activating the new fuel import route between the two countries.
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