The petroleum industry in Kenya is a crucial sector powering the transportation, industrial, and household needs of millions. Historically, multinational corporations have dominated the industry, but in recent years, Kenyan entrepreneurs have made significant strides, establishing locally owned petrol stations that challenge foreign giants.
This article explores Kenyan-owned petrol stations, their founders, and the inspiring success stories behind them.
1. Astrol Petroleum Limited
Founder: Thayu Kamau Kabugi
Founded: 2000
Astrol Petroleum Limited was founded in 2000 by billionaire businessman Thayu Kamau Kabugi. A native of Murang’a, Kabugi was a visionary entrepreneur who grew Astrol Petroleum into a significant player in Kenya’s oil market before his passing in 2019 at the age of 94.
After his death, his son, James Mwangi, took over as Managing Director, continuing his father’s legacy by expanding the company’s fuel distribution network and retail stations.
Astrol Petroleum operates multiple petrol stations in key areas, including:
- Runda
- Mombasa Road
- Thika Road
2. Hass Petroleum
Founders: Abdirizak Ali Hassan & Abdinasir Ali Hassan
Founded: 1997
Hass Petroleum was founded in 1997 by Abdirizak Ali Hassan (now deceased) and his brother Abdinasir Ali Hassan, who currently serves as Chairman. Initially operating as AA Hassan & Company, the business was rebranded to Hass Petroleum Group in 2002 and has since expanded across Africa.
Today, Hass Petroleum holds a market share of 2.06% in Kenya’s oil sector, offering products such as diesel, gasoline, kerosene, and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG).
Hass Petroleum also partnered with OQ Trading Limited, a company owned by the Sultanate of Oman, which acquired a 40% stake in the business, strengthening its market presence.
3. Luqman Petroleum Limited
Owner: National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK)
Founded: 2008
Luqman Petroleum Limited was established in 2008 and operates in East and Central Africa, including:
- Kenya
- Uganda
- Rwanda
- Tanzania
- South Sudan
- Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)
The company is community-focused, being owned by the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK).
Leadership Team:
- Asad Mohamed – Executive Director
- Yusuf Abdi – General Manager
- Mohamed Ali – Finance Manager
4. Petrocity Petroleum
Founder: Aman Kurji
Founded: Part of Petrocity Group
Petrocity Petroleum is a Mombasa-based oil company with operations under Petrocity Enterprises Kenya Limited. The company operates petrol stations across East Africa, including:
- 6 stations in Kenya
- 75 stations in Uganda
Petrocity Petroleum has built a strong storage and logistics infrastructure, with tank farms and a fleet of petroleum tankers for transportation.
Key Figures in Leadership:
- Aman Kurji – Managing Director
- Mohamed Noor Yusuf – Group Internal Auditor
- Salim M – Operations and Safety Manager
The company also operates Fossil Supplies Limited, which supplies petroleum products, and Alfoss Energy Limited, which focuses on marine fuels.
5. Ulilinzi Petrol Station
Founder: Wambua Kinyao
Founded: 2013
Wambua Kinyao, the founder of Ulilinzi Petrol Stations, started his journey as a honey hawker on bicycles in Ukambani before venturing into the petroleum industry.
After facing multiple business failures in real estate and agribusiness, he took a Ksh. 500,000 loan to open his first petrol station in 2013. His strategic focus on boda boda (motorcycle taxi) operators has contributed to his business’s success.
Ulilinzi Petrol Stations now operates 14 outlets, primarily in Makueni County, and gained recognition during the 2022 fuel shortage, when its stations remained operational despite a national fuel crisis.
6. Riva Petroleum
Founder: Peter Njeru Njagi
Founded: Started with Ksh. 45,000 loan
Riva Petroleum was founded by Peter Njeru Njagi, who started his business with a Ksh. 45,000 loan. Over the years, Riva Petroleum has grown into a multi-billion-shilling company.
Initially, the company had Chinese investors, but in 2014, Njagi’s family bought out their stake, making Riva Petroleum 100% Kenyan-owned.
Njagi continues to serve as Managing Director, steering the company toward continued growth and expansion.
7. Tosha Petroleum Company
Founder: Abdisarit Khalif Ali
Founded: 2003
Tosha Petroleum was founded in 2003 and specializes in importing, distributing, and marketing refined petroleum products.
The company operates multiple retail outlets across Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan and has grown to hold a 2.6% market share in Kenya’s oil industry.
CEO: Abdisarit Khalif Ali
Tosha Petroleum’s establishment was supported by Aden Duale, a prominent Kenyan politician.
Conclusion
The emergence of Kenyan-owned petrol stations signals a major shift in the country’s petroleum industry. Entrepreneurs like Thayu Kamau Kabugi, Abdinasir Ali Hassan, Wambua Kinyao, and Peter Njeru Njagi have defied industry odds to establish successful local brands.
With strategic investments, partnerships, and community-driven business models, these homegrown petroleum companies are challenging multinational giants and reshaping Kenya’s energy landscape.
