Riva Petroleum celebrates 30-year partnership with Vivo Energy Kenya
Kerim Kermen VP Lubricants,Vivo Energy, Eng. Peter Njeru- Founder and CEO RIVA Petroleum, Peter Murungi- Managing Director, Vivo Energy Kenya,Mr. Stephen Gikonyo- Lubricants Sales and Marketing Manager Vivo Energy Kenya
NAIROBI, July 9, 2026 – Riva Petroleum Dealers Limited has celebrated 30 years of partnership with Vivo Energy Kenya, marking three decades of business growth, resilience and innovation that have transformed the Nakuru-founded company from a small lubricants reseller into one of Kenya’s largest Shell lubricants distributors.
The milestone highlights one of the country’s longest-running distributor partnerships, with Riva Petroleum now employing about 200 people, serving more than 4,000 retail and trade outlets and operating across 28 of Kenya’s 47 counties as the sole Shell-branded lubricants distributor.
Three decades of growth and innovation
Speaking during the anniversary celebrations, Vivo Energy Kenya Managing Director Peter Murungi hailed the enduring partnership, describing it as a model of resilience and mutual trust despite operating in a highly competitive market.
“The lubricants business is highly competitive and presents its share of challenges. Yet throughout the years, our two organizations have worked side by side, navigating changing market dynamics and industry headwinds with determination and confidence. Together, we have not only weathered those challenges but emerged stronger because of them,” Murungi said.
He noted that the collaboration is the longest-standing distributor partnership Shell has maintained in Kenya.
“This is the longest-standing distributor partnership Shell has had in Kenya. It has been a great journey with a man of real passion, who has also helped other distributors to grow,” he added.
Murungi also praised Riva Petroleum’s commitment to ethical business practices, citing its recognition by the Ethical Leadership Network.
“One of the greatest assets any business can possess is trust. This recognition speaks volumes about the values that have guided the business and the culture that extends from its leadership to every part of the organization,” he said.
From small reseller to national distributor
Founded in Nakuru in 1996 by engineer Peter Njeru Njagi, Riva Petroleum began as a Shell lubricants reseller before steadily expanding its operations.
The company became an official Shell Lubricants distributor in 2012 and adopted a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) operating model. It later expanded its nationwide distribution network before becoming the first Vivo Energy Kenya distributor to implement the VERA digital Order-to-Cash platform in 2025.
Reflecting on the journey, Riva Petroleum Founder and Managing Director Eng. Peter Njeru Njagi attributed the company’s success to integrity and strong partnerships.
“The story of Riva Petroleum is one of resilience, a strong partnership, and doing business with integrity and reliability—qualities that have sustained us for three decades,” he said.
“Thirty years can feel like just another year, but this milestone reflects the contribution of many, including support from KCB Bank, our business partners and suppliers. The growth of Riva has taught us that nothing is impossible.”
Government backs SME growth
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui said the government remains committed to helping small and medium-sized enterprises grow into globally competitive businesses.
“Our role is to create an enabling environment where family-owned businesses can grow into major corporates, access the capital markets and compete regionally and globally. The success of companies like Riva demonstrates the potential of homegrown enterprises to drive industrialisation, create jobs and contribute to Kenya’s economic growth,” Kinyanjui said.
KCB Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Russo said collaboration will remain central to future business success.
“No organization succeeds in isolation. Sustainable growth is built through collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to creating value for customers and communities,” Russo said.
Focus on the future
Looking ahead, Vivo Energy Kenya and Riva Petroleum identified digital transformation, last-mile delivery solutions and growing demand for cleaner energy products as key growth opportunities.
Riva Petroleum is also preparing for generational succession, with younger members of the founder’s family beginning to take up roles in the business as the company positions itself for its next phase of expansion.
