Kenya Seeks Long-Term Gas Imports from Mozambique as Rising Demand and Global Conflicts Disrupt Supply
President William Ruto has announced plans for Kenya to secure long-term natural gas imports from Mozambique, as the country moves to stabilize energy supply and reduce reliance on distant markets affected by geopolitical tensions.
The announcement followed a meeting at State House in Nairobi between President Ruto and Daniel Chapo, President of Mozambique, who is on a three-day state visit to Kenya.
Ruto said Kenya currently imports liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) from multiple sources, including Nigeria and regional distributors in Tanzania, highlighting the need for more stable and regionally sourced supply arrangements.
“We recognise the strong complementarity between our economies, particularly Mozambique’s natural gas resources and Kenya’s growing energy needs.
Energy cooperation remains central to advancing sustainable development and inclusive growth in our two countries,” Ruto said.
Rising Demand Driving Import Strategy
Kenya’s push to secure long-term gas supply comes amid rapidly increasing domestic demand for LPG, driven by a nationwide shift away from traditional fuels such as firewood and charcoal toward cleaner cooking energy.
Data from the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority shows growing LPG adoption, especially in urban areas, placing pressure on supply chains that rely heavily on imports.
Both countries agreed to expand cooperation in energy development, including natural gas supply and renewable energy, as part of efforts to build a more reliable, sustainable, and diversified energy mix.
Mozambique’s Strategic Gas Reserves
Mozambique holds some of the largest natural gas reserves in Africa, with more than 100 trillion cubic feet discovered offshore in the Rovuma Basin.
The country has increasingly positioned itself as a major supplier to regional and global markets.
President Chapo noted that the two nations already maintain a broad cooperation framework covering multiple sectors, supported by more than 20 bilateral agreements spanning trade, transport, security, and diplomacy.
He added that both governments are now seeking to deepen cooperation in energy and infrastructure development.
Global Supply Risks Prompt Regional Solutions
Kenya’s move toward regional gas sourcing comes against the backdrop of supply disruptions linked to the Russia–Ukraine War and instability in the Middle East, both of which have contributed to price volatility and supply uncertainty in global energy markets.
Officials say reliance on distant suppliers has exposed the country to higher logistics costs and supply risks, reinforcing the need to secure energy sources closer to home through intra-African trade partnerships.
Expanding LPG Infrastructure
To support rising demand, Kenya is investing in new gas handling and storage infrastructure.
A 30,000-tonne LPG storage and handling facility is under construction in Mombasa at a cost of approximately $129 million.
The project, being developed by Taifa Gas at the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone, is about 80% complete and expected to become operational within months.
Lee Kinyanjui, Kenya’s Cabinet Secretary for Trade, said the facility will significantly strengthen national supply capacity and position the country as a regional distribution hub.
In addition, Kenya Petroleum Refineries Limited is partnering with Asharami Synergy Limited, a unit of Sahara Group, to develop another LPG facility in Changamwe.
Kenya continues to rely heavily on imported LPG to meet domestic demand, sourcing supply from West Africa, the Middle East, and regional markets.
Meanwhile, Mozambique’s large-scale gas discoveries have positioned it as one of Africa’s most significant potential LNG exporters.
The proposed partnership reflects a broader continental trend toward intra-African energy trade, as countries seek to strengthen energy security, reduce exposure to global supply shocks, and support the transition to cleaner household fuels.
