Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi has announced a breakthrough in regional trade after Kenya and Rwanda signed three landmark Import Framework Agreements that fully open the Northern Corridor for Rwanda’s importation of Bulk Refined Petroleum Products (BRPP) under a Government-to-Government (G2G) framework.

In a statement on his X account on Monday, June 29, 2026, after the signing ceremony held at KASNEB Tower in Nairobi, he said the agreement marks a defining moment in strengthening bilateral trade relations between the two neighbouring countries.

“Today, I signed an MoU between Kenya and Rwanda to facilitate the importation of refined petroleum products for Rwanda through Kenya’s Northern Corridor transit route. A major milestone in our bilateral relationship and regional integration,” he said.

The deal brings together three major agreements, including a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), a Tripartite Agreement and a Transport and Storage Agreement, effectively opening the Northern Corridor to Rwanda’s importation of bulk refined petroleum products.

Major boost for regional integration

Wandayi described the deal as a historic milestone that will deepen bilateral relations, strengthen regional integration and position Kenya as a strategic energy transit hub within the East African region.

“What we are signing today is not just a legal framework but a commitment by the Ministry and all agencies related to the petroleum sub-sector. Kenya will provide a transit environment to guarantee security of supply of bulk refined petroleum products to Rwanda for the long haul,” Wandayi stated.

He added that Rwanda’s fuel volumes transported through Kenya are expected to grow more than tenfold from approximately 42,000 cubic metres recorded in 2025 to over 500,000 cubic metres annually under the new framework.

Kenya positions itself as regional energy hub

According to the agreement, Rwanda’s first petroleum cargo under the framework, identified as RNEC 001/2026, is expected to arrive through the Port of Mombasa between September 4 and 6, 2026.

“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 added.

Petroleum sector remains under policy scrutiny

The agreement comes weeks after the Kenyan Senate raised concerns over multiple taxes imposed on petroleum products, with lawmakers pushing for fuel tax cuts and greater accountability in the petroleum import framework amid rising pressure over the cost of living.

Government officials have maintained that reforms in the petroleum supply chain remain critical in improving efficiency, transparency and strengthening Kenya’s growing role as a regional energy transit hub.