Kenya’s competition regulator has extended a key exemption backing the partnership between National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOC) and Rubis Energy Kenya, giving the deal a longer operational horizon.
The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) said in a Gazette notice dated Dec. 30, 2025 that the exemption will now run for eight years from Dec. 13, 2024, replacing the earlier five-year approval.
The decision applies to specific clauses of a Strategic Business Partnership between the state-owned fuel marketer NOC and multinational distributor Rubis.
CAK said the amendment only affects the duration of the exemption, while the original terms and conditions set out in January 2025 remain unchanged.
The move allows the two firms more time to fully implement their commercial and operational arrangements.
NOC, which has struggled with financial and operational pressures, is seeking to strengthen its position in Kenya’s downstream petroleum market through the partnership.
Rubis, which has been expanding across East Africa, provides fuel storage, distribution and retail expertise under the alliance.
The regulator said the longer exemption supports market stability and reliable fuel supply while still preserving competition.
The extension also reflects growing regulatory flexibility aimed at attracting investment into Kenya’s energy sector.
Kenya’s government hopes such partnerships will reduce supply disruptions and improve efficiency in the country’s fuel market.