President William Ruto has intensified efforts to shield Kenya from the ongoing global energy crisis after holding high-level talks with Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev amid mounting pressure over soaring fuel prices.
The bilateral meeting took place on Sunday, May 17, at the Baku Olympic Stadium on the sidelines of the World Urban Forum, where the two Heads of State discussed energy cooperation, oil and gas investments, and renewable energy partnerships.
The talks come at a critical moment for Kenya as consumers continue to grapple with record-high fuel costs that have sparked public outrage and fears of a fresh wave of inflation.
In a statement issued after the meeting, President Ruto said the discussions focused on strengthening strategic ties between Nairobi and Baku, particularly in the energy sector.
“Our discussions focused on fostering collaboration in the oil and gas sector, investments to scale up our affordable housing programme, and renewable energy partnerships to support our target of generating 10,000MW of power,” Ruto stated.
Kenya has been under growing economic pressure following the latest review by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), which saw diesel prices in Nairobi rise to a historic Ksh242.92 per litre while petrol surged beyond Ksh214.
According to EPRA, the latest increases were largely triggered by instability in global oil supply chains, particularly disruptions linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz and the wider conflict in the Middle East — one of the world’s most critical oil transit corridors.
The situation has exposed Kenya’s heavy dependence on imported petroleum products, leaving the economy vulnerable to geopolitical shocks and fluctuations in global crude oil markets.
A key highlight of the talks between Ruto and Aliyev was the proposed development of a regional oil refinery project aimed at serving East Africa’s growing energy demand.
The discussions also come amid reports that Nigerian billionaire Aliko Dangote has shown interest in Kenya as a potential destination for a major refinery investment due to the country’s strategic economic position within the region.
Azerbaijan is regarded as one of the world’s emerging energy powers, with extensive expertise in oil production, refining, and export infrastructure. The oil-rich nation sits on vast reserves in the Caspian Sea and plays a significant role in supplying petroleum products to European and international markets.
Although smaller than traditional oil giants such as Saudi Arabia and Russia, Azerbaijan remains strategically influential due to its strong oil and gas output and its role in diversifying global energy supplies amid growing geopolitical uncertainty.
Political analysts say Kenya’s outreach to Azerbaijan signals Nairobi’s urgency in securing alternative energy partnerships as concerns mount over the rising cost of living and the impact of fuel prices on businesses and households.
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