Energy and Petroleum CS Opiyo Wandayi on Wednesday led Kenya in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malawi to enhance cooperation in the petroleum sector.
The MoU is specifically on the importation of bulk refined petroleum products under a government-to-government arrangement (G-to-G).
The MoU was signed by Wandayi on behalf of Kenya, while Malawi’s Minister for Energy, Ibrahim Matola, signed on behalf of Malawi.
The partnership follows high-level consultations between the Presidents of Kenya and Malawi at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA, in September 2024.
The discussions were a shared commitment to energy security and sustainable development, with senior officials from both nations contributing to the dialogue.
The agreement is set to strengthen both countries' petroleum sectors and ensure a stable supply of refined petroleum products, supporting economic prosperity for Kenya and Malawi.
The MoU will remain valid for five years or until terminated by either party in accordance with its terms.
The PS for Petroleum, Mohamed Liban, along with a Malawian delegation witnessed the signing ceremony.
In 2022, Kenya imported $5.41 billion in refined petroleum, becoming the 50th largest importer of the product in the world. At the same year, refined petroleum was the number one most imported product in Kenya.
Kenya imports Refined Petroleum primarily from: the United Arab Emirates ($2.96 billion), Saudi Arabia ($631 million), India ($543 million), Netherlands ($247 million), and Oman ($237 million).
