Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, Opiyo Wandayi, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Malawi’s Minister for Energy, Ibrahim Matola, to enhance collaboration in the petroleum sector. The agreement focuses on a government-to-government (G-to-G) framework for the importation of bulk refined petroleum products, aiming to bolster energy security for both nations.
This partnership follows discussions between the presidents of Kenya and Malawi during the United Nations General Assembly held in New York in September 2024. Senior officials from both countries engaged in these dialogues, focusing on energy security and sustainable development.
Under this MoU, Kenya and Malawi seek to ensure a consistent supply of refined petroleum, supporting economic growth and resilience in both countries. The agreement will remain in force for five years or until either party chooses to terminate it under agreed terms.
The signing ceremony, attended by Kenya’s Petroleum PS Mohamed Liban and members of a Malawian delegation, represents Kenya’s ongoing effort to diversify its energy partnerships and strengthen its supply chain.
In 2022, Kenya imported $5.41 billion in refined petroleum, primarily from the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, India, the Netherlands, and Oman. Refined petroleum was Kenya’s largest imported commodity that year, placing Kenya as the 50th largest importer of refined petroleum globally.
