Vivo Energy honours mechanics keeping Kenya’s economy moving
More than 100 mechanics from across the North Rift converged in Eldoret on Sunday as Vivo Energy Kenya recognised the often-overlooked professionals whose work keeps the country’s transport, agriculture and industrial sectors running.
The second annual Mechanics Wellness Day, held under the theme Celebrating the People Behind Kenya’s Mobility Ecosystem, sought to acknowledge the vital contribution mechanics make to Kenya’s economy while promoting their health, safety and professional development.
Speaking during the event, Vivo Energy Kenya’s Lubricants and LPG Sales and Marketing Manager Stephen Gikonyo said mechanics remain the backbone of the country’s mobility ecosystem, ensuring people, goods and services move efficiently every day.
“This day is about celebrating and thanking the skilled men and women whose hands keep Kenya moving. Behind every safe journey, every successful delivery and every successful harvest is a mechanic whose expertise makes it possible,” Gikonyo said.
He added that the company, through Shell Lubricants, remains committed to supporting mechanics beyond supplying quality products by investing in their health, skills and overall wellbeing.
“Through Shell Lubricants, we are proud to stand alongside these professionals by investing not only in high-quality products, but also in their health, skills and wellbeing. We believe that behind every mechanic should be a partner that cares, and today’s event is a reflection of that commitment,” he added.
Supporting Kenya’s mobility ecosystem
The event highlighted the critical role mechanics play in maintaining tractors that prepare farmland, trucks transporting agricultural produce, buses connecting communities and vehicles serving households and businesses across the country.
By ensuring vehicles and machinery remain roadworthy and efficient, mechanics contribute significantly to transport, manufacturing, engineering, construction and agricultural productivity while helping businesses minimise downtime and operating costs.
Vivo Energy Kenya said it continues to empower mechanics through technical training, product knowledge programmes, safety education and access to world-class Shell lubrication technologies, enabling workshops to improve service delivery and build customer confidence.
Focus on health and wellbeing
Besides professional recognition, this year’s event placed strong emphasis on the health of mechanics, who often work under physically demanding conditions.
Participants underwent free medical screening while also taking part in football matches, pool and darts competitions, indoor games and recreational activities designed to promote healthy living and strengthen relationships within the profession.
Equity Afya’s Ezra Omwancha said regular health checks are essential given the occupational risks mechanics face daily.
“Mechanics often work long hours in confined spaces, lift heavy equipment and are regularly exposed to physically demanding conditions. Through this initiative, we are providing free health screening and related medical services to help ensure they remain healthy and able to continue supporting Kenya’s transport and agricultural sectors,” Omwancha said.
Investing in the people behind the economy
The wellness day concluded with an awards ceremony recognising winners in various sporting competitions, bringing together mechanics, their families and industry partners.
Vivo Energy Kenya said the initiative reflects its long-term commitment to supporting the professionals who keep Kenya moving, noting that investing in mechanics ultimately strengthens the country’s transport network, agricultural value chains and broader economy.
The company said it will continue championing programmes that promote the wellbeing, recognition and professional growth of mechanics as Kenya’s mobility ecosystem continues to evolve.
