Riva Petroleum Limited is marking 30 years of operation as it vows to continue enhancing partnership that the Petroleum Company attributes to its continued growth and expansion.
The highly successful, privately-owned oil marketing company that traces its roots in Nakuru City County is currently headquartered in Nairobi, and operates over 30 retail petrol stations and supplies fuel, lubricants, and LPG products across Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan.
Speaking during the 30th Anniversary held in Nakuru City, the enterprise founder Engineer Peter Njeru Njagi revealed that the name RIVA was derived from Rift Valley owing to the fact that it was started in Nakuru which falls with then Rift Valley, adding that it has been a journey that commenced way back in 1996.
Narrating his journey, the former Roads and Highway Engineer pointed out that he started the multi-billion-shilling empire using a Ksh. 45,000 Sacco loan.
He termed this ‘RIVA’s 30 years of legacy and partnership’- a journey that he has walked together with his family Dorcas Njeru and daughters Wawira and Wangui.
According to Eng. Njeru, the 30th Anniversary is not only for Riva Petroleum Limited, but for all who have supported the journey in one way or another.
“What started humbly in Nakuru is now in all the 47 counties in the country through partnership with Kenya Commercial Bank, and Vivo energy. The 30th Anniversary is not only for RIVA but for all of us and Nakuru remains the best for us as a home,” he said amidst applause from the attendees of the event.
He used the moment to also appreciate the partners among them KCB, Vivo energy, as well as customers who he termed as great engines behind the success of the company.
Riva Petroleum distributes a wide range of petroleum products, including Automotive Diesel, Industrial Diesel, Jet Fuel, and Bitumen. They are also one of the largest distributors of Shell lubricants in East Africa.
Managing Director Vivo energy (Shell Kenya) Peter Murungi who graced the event, termed the anniversary ‘a truly remarkable milestone of resilience and impact’.
“The 30 years is a symbol of character, perseverance and we celebrate a legacy built on trust, commitment and believe that excellence is a journey and not an event. As Vivo energy Kenya, we are proud to be part of this journey with a common commitment to creating value and customers’ network, hence the reason we lead the Kenya lubricant market due to the partnership,” he stated.
Cabinet Secretary Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui who was the Chief Guest was categorical that the lessons of RIVA are quite commensurate with other businesses in Nakuru and are moving very far.
The CS used the moment to rally entrepreneurs to play a key role in mentoring youth and let them learn from the stories behind various business establishments in what he termed is key in shaping generations to come.
“Our entrepreneurs should mentor our young people and let them learn from the businesses and the stories behind them, the successes and challenges so that we can help shape the next generation of this nation,” he said.
Working with the Capital Markets Authority, the CS pointed out that the government is also encouraging the companies to be enlisted to allow the businesses to raise long-term capital without relying heavily on bank debt.
On matters of value addition, the CS lauded Vivo energy Kenya saying the company has continued to do well in Mombasa and expressed optimism that it will be able to expand with time.
Kinyanjui who once served in the petroleum sector, was categorical that economic solutions are not found overnight, but with time and lauded the Government to Government business module adopted in the country.
“Economic solutions are not found overnight, but with time as we are doing with Government to Government businesses in Kenya. The Country’s investment space is right, and we call on companies to invest in the country,” he said.
KCB Group CEO Paul Russo who was also in attendance reiterated the importance of partnership terming it a key pillar towards success.
He stated that partnerships enable strengthened entrepreneurship and industries towards resilience and success.
Sentiments echoed by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja who lauded the leadership of Engineer Njeru for the far RIVA has made it.
“You can have all the good systems and teams, but without leadership then everything will go messy. Businesses have challenges but you must work towards success, celebrate your milestones, and partnerships,” he said.
Sakaja also rallied leaders in all sectors to continue working towards enabling businesses to thrive in both counties and National level.
Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones who represented Governor Susan Kihika at the event assured that the County Government of Nakuru will continue to work toward a better environment for investors in all sectors.
“We are having a conducive environment for businesses and we are happy that RIVA started in Nakuru and has continued to play a key role in matters of economic growth. We welcome other businesses to Nakuru as their home of successful business as the County continues to grow as a suitable place for businesses. As a County Government, we remain committed towards creating an enabling environment for businesses. We remain open to businesses and investors who are ready to work with us,” he said.
He noted that when local businesses succeed, families are empowered and the economy grows.
During the event various partners of Riva Petroleum Limited were awarded in recognition of their support in propelling the company to the levels it is today.