Mombasa, Kenya – 29 September 2026: Rwanda and Kenya marked a significant milestone in their energy cooperation with the arrival of the MT Sea Wolf, carrying the Rwanda National Energy Company’s (RNEC) maiden cargo of 40,000 metric tonnes of refined petroleum products at the Kenya Pipeline Company’s Kipevu Oil Terminal 2 (KOT2).

The arrival marks the activation of a new route through which Rwanda will import bulk refined petroleum products through Kenya’s Northern Corridor, strengthening the resilience of Rwanda’s petroleum supply chain while deepening cooperation between the two countries.

The ceremony was presided over by Hon. Armand Zingiro, Minister of State in Rwanda’s Ministry of Infrastructure and Hon. James Opiyo Wandayi, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum of Kenya, alongside representatives of relevant institutions from both countries.

The new arrangement is the outcome of a framework developed by the Governments of Rwanda and Kenya to strengthen the Northern Corridor as a key route for Rwanda’s refined petroleum imports. It leverages Kenya’s port infrastructure, pipeline network and wider logistics ecosystem to facilitate the transportation, storage and handling of petroleum products destined for Rwanda.

The framework is supported by a Memorandum of Understanding between Kenya’s Ministry of Energy and Petroleum and Rwanda’s Ministry of Trade and Industry, a Tripartite Agreement involving the two Ministries and the Rwanda National Energy Company, as well as a Transport and Storage Agreement between Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) and RNEC.

Speaking at the ceremony, Minister of State Armand Zingiro said the arrival of the MT Sea Wolf demonstrates how the partnership between Rwanda and Kenya is translating agreements into practical solutions that directly support Rwanda’s energy security.

“Today, as MT Sea Wolf sits berthed before us carrying 40,000 metric tonnes of refined petroleum products, we are witnessing an agreement on paper become a reality that will serve the people of Rwanda.”

The new arrangement with Kenya, alongside the recently opened route through the Port of Tanga, forms part of this broader strategy to strengthen the resilience of Rwanda’s petroleum supply chain.

“This framework with Kenya, alongside the new route we have opened through the Port of Tanga, is the practical expression of that strategy,” Minister Zingiro said, adding that the government-to-government framework gives Rwanda greater control over the procurement, transportation and storage of its fuel supplies.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of the partnership in supporting Rwanda’s efforts to build strategic fuel reserves.

Rwanda is expanding its domestic fuel storage capacity, while extended storage arrangements at Kipevu will provide additional flexibility as this capacity is developed.

A more resilient petroleum supply chain is expected to support the stability of essential economic activities, including transport, agriculture and other sectors that depend on reliable fuel supplies.

Minister Zingiro also noted the growing economic ties between Rwanda and Kenya, including Rwanda’s recent investment in Kenya Pipeline Company following its listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, as another indication of the increasingly interconnected nature of the two economies.

The new petroleum supply route also represents a practical application of regional integration, supporting the objectives of the East African Community (EAC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

For Rwanda, the arrival of the MT Sea Wolf represents more than the delivery of a first cargo. It marks the operationalisation of a strengthened bilateral framework designed to improve the reliability and resilience of petroleum supply while leveraging regional infrastructure.

Minister Zingiro reaffirmed Rwanda’s commitment to the partnership with Kenya and to the broader vision of regional integration under the EAC.

“We look forward to many more vessels following in the wake of MT Sea Wolf, and to an enduring relationship built on shared prosperity between Rwanda and Kenya.”

The milestone reinforces the commitment of both countries to practical regional cooperation that strengthens energy security, facilitates trade and supports sustainable economic growth across East Africa.