RIVA Petroleum Marks 30 Years As Leaders Hail Nakuru-Born Enterprise Growth

By Suleiman Mbatiah

Riva Petroleum Dealers Limited has marked 30 years in business, with government, corporate and county leaders describing the Nakuru-born oil marketing company as a model of resilience, partnership and homegrown enterprise growth.

The anniversary celebration, held at Sarova Woodlands in Nakuru City, brought together leaders from government, banking, energy and county administration, as the company reflected on its growth from a local petroleum business into a national distributor.

Riva founder and Managing Director Eng. Peter Njeru Njagi said the milestone belonged not only to the company, but also to partners, customers, financiers, staff and family members who had supported its growth since 1996.

“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,” Njeru said.

The company traces its name to Rift Valley, where it was founded, and has grown into a petroleum dealer supplying fuel, lubricants and LPG products, with operations extending beyond Kenya into regional markets.

Vivo Energy Kenya Managing Director Peter Murungi described the anniversary as a major milestone built on trust, discipline and consistency, saying the company’s partnership with Riva had endured through changing market conditions.

Murungi said Riva’s growth reflected the value of long-term collaboration between local enterprises and strategic industry partners, adding that Vivo Energy Kenya was proud to be associated with the company’s journey.

Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, who was the chief guest, said Riva’s story showed how local enterprises can grow into competitive companies when supported by finance, partnerships and an enabling policy environment.

Kinyanjui urged entrepreneurs to mentor young people by sharing the full story behind business growth, including sacrifice, difficult seasons, discipline and recovery, instead of only showcasing success after companies have matured.

“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.

The CS said the government was encouraging companies to explore structured financing options, including capital markets, to support long-term growth and reduce overreliance on bank debt as businesses transition into bigger corporates.

KCB Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Russo said Riva’s journey underlined the role of partnerships in strengthening entrepreneurship, industry resilience and business continuity, noting that sustainable growth cannot be achieved in isolation.

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja praised Njeru’s leadership, saying strong systems and teams must be supported by effective leadership if businesses are to survive challenges and grow beyond their founders.

Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones, who represented Governor Susan Kihika, said the county government would continue improving the business environment to attract investors and support enterprises that create jobs and expand the local economy.

Kones said Riva’s roots in Nakuru demonstrated the county’s potential as a launchpad for major businesses, adding that successful local enterprises empower families, create employment and contribute to county and national growth.

The celebration was also attended by Vivo Energy officials, including Vivo Energy VP Lubricants Kerim Kermen, Arnaud Guichard, Vivo Energy Kenya Lubricants Sales and Marketing Manager Stephen Gikonyo, alongside Riva directors and partners.

Riva’s latest profile places its workforce at about 200 employees, with distribution to more than 4,000 retail and trade outlets nationwide through warehouses in Nakuru, Nairobi and Embu.

The company is also listed as the sole Shell-branded lubricants distributor of record in 28 of Kenya’s 47 counties, with a last-mile delivery footprint stretching to Moyale on the Ethiopian border.

Its growth comes at a time when Kenya’s petroleum sector remains central to trade, transport and inflation pressures. EPRA data shows domestic demand for petroleum products rose by 8.38 per cent to 3.16 million cubic metres in the second half of 2025.

The regulator also reported that petroleum imports for local consumption and exports to neighbouring countries rose by 13.25 per cent to 5.60 million cubic metres during the same period, reflecting higher demand in local and regional markets.

Industry players said the next phase of petroleum distribution will be shaped by digital transformation, last-mile delivery efficiency, cleaner energy products and stronger partnerships between local companies, financiers and multinational brands.