A Nakuru-founded petroleum distributor has marked 30 years of partnership with Vivo Energy Kenya, highlighting the growth of a local business from a small Shell lubricants reseller into a nationwide distributor.
Riva Petroleum Dealers Limited, founded in 1996 by Eng. Peter Njeru Njagi, celebrated the milestone in Nairobi, with Vivo Energy Kenya describing the partnership as the longest-standing Shell distributor relationship in the country.
The company, which started with three employees, has grown into an operation employing about 200 people across fuel and lubricants businesses. It now serves more than 4,000 retail and trade outlets across Kenya.
Riva Petroleum, an abbreviation of Rift Valley Petroleum, operates warehouses in Nakuru, Nairobi and Embu. It is also the sole Shell-branded lubricants distributor of record in 28 of Kenya’s 47 counties, with a last-mile delivery network stretching as far as Moyale on the Ethiopian border.
Speaking during the anniversary celebrations, Vivo Energy Kenya Managing Director Peter Murungi noted that the lubricants business remains highly competitive but said the two companies had sustained their relationship through changing market conditions.
“The lubricants business is highly competitive and presents its share of challenges. Yet throughout the years, our two organisations have worked side by side, navigating changing market dynamics and industry headwinds with determination and confidence,” Murungi stated.
“Together, we have not only weathered those challenges but emerged stronger because of them,” he added.
Murungi further noted that the partnership had been built on trust, pointing to Riva Petroleum’s recognition in 2012 with the ELNET Mark of Ethics by the Ethical Leadership Network.
According to the company, Riva’s growth journey has been marked by several key milestones. In 2012, it became a Shell Lubricants Distributor and adopted a fast-moving consumer goods model of operations. In 2016, it expanded its lubricants distribution network across Kenya.
In 2025, Riva Petroleum became the first Vivo Energy Kenya distributor to implement VERA, Vivo Energy’s digital end-to-end Order-to-Cash platform, as part of efforts to improve efficiency and operational excellence.
Riva Petroleum Founder and Managing Director Eng. Peter Njeru Njagi described the company’s story as one of resilience, 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,” Njagi said.
“Thirty years can feel like just another year, but this milestone reflects the contribution of many: support from financial institutions such as KCB Bank, our business partners and our suppliers. The growth of Riva has taught us that nothing is impossible,” he added.
Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry Lee Kinyanjui, who also attended the celebrations, said the government was committed to creating an environment where small and medium enterprises can grow into large 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,” Kinyanjui stated.
“The success of companies like Riva demonstrates the potential of homegrown enterprises to drive industrialisation, create jobs and contribute to Kenya’s economic growth,” he added.
KCB Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Russo said the partnership between Riva and Vivo Energy Kenya demonstrated the importance of collaboration in building sustainable businesses.
“No organisation succeeds in isolation. Sustainable growth is built through collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to creating value for customers and communities,” Russo said.
Njagi, a University of Nairobi-trained civil engineer, founded Riva Petroleum after spending 11 years in the Ministry of Works’ Roads Department before leaving public service to venture into the fuel business.
Looking ahead, Vivo Energy Kenya and Riva Petroleum identified digital transformation, new last-mile delivery models and rising demand for cleaner energy products as key areas of opportunity.
For Riva Petroleum, the next phase is also expected to involve generational transition, with younger family members beginning to take up roles in the business.
