Kenya is seeking a long-term natural gas supply agreement with Mozambique as it moves to reduce dependence on Middle Eastern energy imports amid escalating global tensions.
President William Ruto announced the plan while hosting Mozambique’s leader Daniel Chapo at State House in Nairobi, highlighting the need to stabilise energy costs and diversify supply sources.
Ruto said Kenya currently imports liquefied petroleum gas from Nigeria, the Middle East and through regional intermediaries, exposing the country to external shocks.
He cited disruptions from the Russia–Ukraine war, the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing Middle East conflict as key drivers behind the shift towards alternative suppliers.
Mozambique, which holds over 100 trillion cubic feet of natural gas reserves in the Rovuma Basin, is seen as a strategic partner to meet Kenya’s growing energy demand.
The push also reflects rising domestic consumption, with increased LPG adoption as households transition from firewood and charcoal for cooking.
Both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in energy development, including natural gas and renewable energy, as part of broader efforts to support sustainable growth.
The agreement forms part of wider plans to strengthen bilateral trade, boost infrastructure links and remove barriers to commerce between the two nations.
Mozambique’s government said existing cooperation frameworks, including 20 legal agreements, are already delivering results across sectors such as transport, security and diplomacy.
Kenya is simultaneously expanding its LPG infrastructure, including a major storage facility in Mombasa, to enhance supply capacity and position itself as a regional energy hub.