President William Ruto chairs the Cabinet meeting at State House in Nairobi on July 29, 2025/PCS
The move is expected to strengthen regional trade and enhance Kenya's role as East Africa's petroleum transit hub.
Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi announced the decision on Monday after holding bilateral talks with Rwanda's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Jean Nduhungirehe, in Addis Ababa.
Mudavadi said the approval underscores Kenya's commitment to supporting regional integration and fostering stronger economic ties with neighbouring countries.
"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," he said.
The agreement will see Rwanda, a landlocked country, channel a significant portion of its fuel imports through the Port of Mombasa before the products are transported via Kenya's pipeline network.
According to Nduhungirehe, the arrangement will improve fuel security in Rwanda by ensuring a stable and reliable supply.
"That will be about 52 million litres, which is about our consumption in a month. It will serve us well," he said.
The deal is expected to further cement Kenya's position as the region's preferred petroleum transit corridor while supporting Rwanda's energy needs.
Mudavadi said the Cabinet's approval reflects Kenya's commitment to promoting regional integration and shared prosperity through enhanced cross-border cooperation.
"The Cabinet's approval to facilitate the transit of fuel through Kenya to support Rwanda's economy is a testament to our commitment to regional integration and shared prosperity," he said.
During the meeting, Mudavadi also sought Rwanda's support for the candidatures of two Kenyan nominees seeking election to positions at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC).
He said Kenya remains committed to strengthening regional partnerships and advancing Africa's voice in international institutions.
On June 29, Kenya and Rwanda signed three landmark agreements that will allow Rwanda to import bulk refined petroleum products through Kenya under a Government-to-Government (G2G) arrangement, marking a major step in strengthening regional trade and energy security.
The agreements comprise a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a Tripartite Agreement (TPA) and a Transport and Storage Agreement (TSA). The signing is expected to open the Northern Corridor for Rwanda's petroleum imports fully.
The event was witnessed by Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi, Rwanda's Minister of Trade and Industry Antoine-Marie Kajangwe, Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Acting Managing Director Pius Mwendwa, Rwanda National Energy Company (RNEC) Director Chris Twagirimana, alongside senior government officials and representatives from the energy sector.
The agreements conclude negotiations that began with bilateral talks in Kigali in November 2024 and were approved by Kenya's Cabinet on June 16, 2026.
Under the new framework, Rwanda's petroleum imports through the Northern Corridor are projected to increase more than tenfold, from approximately 42,000 cubic metres handled in 2025 to over 500,000 cubic metres annually.
The first shipment under the arrangement, designated RNEC 001/2026, is expected to arrive at the Port of Mombasa between September 4 and 6, 2026.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Wandayi said the agreements represented more than a legal framework, describing them as a long-term commitment by Kenya to guarantee Rwanda a secure and reliable supply of refined petroleum products.
"The volumes are set to grow more than tenfold. But the numbers are not the endgame; what this represents for our two great nations is deeper economic integration that will serve the East African Community and the Great Lakes Region for several decades to come," he said.
