The Kenya Association of Travel Agents (KATA) continues to deliver tangible value to Kenya’s travel trade through its partnership with Rubis Energy Kenya, an agreement that is helping travel agents save KES 4 per litre on fuel purchases across the country.
The partnership, which was entered into in late 2025 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), was designed to cushion travel businesses from rising operational costs while improving efficiency within the sector.
At a time when travel agencies continue to navigate increasing fuel and transportation expenses, the collaboration has emerged as one of the practical member-benefit initiatives aimed at supporting sustainability and competitiveness within Kenya’s travel industry.
Through the arrangement, KATA members gain access to personalized Rubis fuel cards that offer discounted fuel rates at Rubis service stations nationwide. The cards are available under both prepaid and postpaid options, enabling agencies to better manage fuel consumption, strengthen accountability, and streamline operational expenditure.
For agencies involved in airport transfers, tours, corporate travel logistics, and regular client mobility, the savings generated through the programme are expected to contribute significantly to lowering operational costs over time.
The partnership reflects KATA’s growing focus on building strategic collaborations that go beyond traditional industry advocacy by directly addressing the operational realities facing travel businesses.
Speaking during the rollout of the initiative, Olivier Sabrié, Group Managing Director of Rubis Energy Kenya, said the collaboration demonstrates Rubis Energy’s commitment to supporting Kenya’s travel ecosystem through practical and impactful business solutions.
“We are pleased to work with KATA in delivering benefits that directly support travel agencies and strengthen the broader tourism value chain,” he said. “This initiative provides tangible operational value while reinforcing our commitment to empowering industry players across the country.”
KATA Chairman Dr. Joseph Kithitu noted that the agreement aligns with the association’s broader objective of securing value-driven opportunities for members while strengthening the resilience of the travel sector.
“This partnership reflects KATA’s commitment to identifying solutions that create measurable value for our members,” Dr. Kithitu said. “By leveraging Rubis Energy’s nationwide retail network alongside KATA’s leadership within the travel industry, we are enabling agencies to improve efficiency, reduce operational costs, and enhance long-term sustainability.”
He added that strategic private-sector partnerships remain critical in supporting the growth and competitiveness of Kenya’s travel industry, particularly as businesses increasingly seek innovative ways to manage operational expenses while maintaining service quality.
Beyond the immediate financial savings, the initiative is also expected to improve fuel management processes for agencies through enhanced convenience, transparency, and security in fuel transactions.
KATA members interested in joining the programme are required to submit the relevant registration documentation through the association, after which Rubis Energy facilitates the issuance and distribution of the fuel cards.
The continued implementation of the partnership underscores the importance of collaboration between industry associations and corporate stakeholders in strengthening Kenya’s tourism and travel ecosystem while creating direct economic benefits for businesses operating within the sector.
