Kenya is seeking to lock in long-term natural gas imports from Mozambique, as President William Ruto moves to diversify the country’s energy supply away from distant and volatile global markets. The announcement followed a state visit to Nairobi by Mozambican President Daniel Chapo.
“We recognise the strong complementarity between our economies, particularly Mozambique’s natural gas resources and Kenya’s growing energy needs,” Ruto said. “Energy cooperation remains central to advancing sustainable development and inclusive growth in our two countries.”
Kenya’s push for regional gas supply is driven by rapidly increasing domestic LPG demand, fuelled by a nationwide shift from traditional fuels like firewood and charcoal to cleaner cooking energy. The country currently sources LPG from multiple external suppliers, including Nigeria and regional distributors in Tanzania, exposing it to supply chain disruptions and logistics costs that officials say underscore the case for closer regional sourcing. Mozambique holds some of the largest natural gas reserves in Africa — more than 100 trillion cubic feet discovered offshore in the Rovuma Basin — and has been positioning itself as a major supplier to both regional and global markets. The two governments already maintain a broad cooperation framework spanning more than 20 bilateral agreements.
Building Domestic Infrastructure
To support rising domestic demand, Kenya is investing in new gas handling infrastructure. A 30,000-tonne LPG storage and handling facility — being developed by Taifa Gas at the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone in Mombasa at a cost of approximately $129 million — is about 80% complete and expected to become operational within months. Cabinet Secretary for Trade Lee Kinyanjui said the facility will position Kenya as a regional distribution hub. In addition, Kenya Petroleum Refineries Limited is partnering with Asharami Synergy, a unit of Sahara Group, to develop another LPG facility in Changamwe.
Source: angolanminingoilandgas.com