NAIROBI, Kenya – Vivo Energy Kenya, the company that markets and distributes Shell-branded fuels and lubricants, hosted its first-ever Shell Lubricants Mechanics Sports and Wellness Day on Sunday, November 16, 2025, in a strategic move to honour and engage a critical component of the nation's automotive industry. The event brought together over one hundred mechanics and their families for a series of competitive and recreational activities, underscoring the company's recognition of the sector's economic importance.

The daylong celebration, held in Nairobi, featured competitions in football, darts, pool, and obstacle courses. According to a statement from the company, HX5 FC was crowned football champions, while Simon Maina Nderitu won the darts competition. The pool tournament honours were shared between John Mbugua and Philemon Otiti.

Peter Murungi, the Managing Director of Vivo Energy Kenya, framed the initiative as a foundational step in building a stronger community around the Shell Lubricants brand. “Mechanics are the backbone of our lubricant ecosystem. Today, we honour their contribution and extend our gratitude to the families who support them,” Murungi stated. “This Shell Mechanics Wellness Day is more than just an event—it’s a movement to build trust, unity, and pride among our extended Shell Lubricants family.”

A Nod to the 'Jua Kali' Powerhouse

This initiative is significant as it formally acknowledges the pivotal role of mechanics, many of whom operate within Kenya's vast informal economy, known as the 'Jua Kali' sector. This sector is a cornerstone of national employment, creating the vast majority of new jobs in the country. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), the informal sector accounted for 85% of all new jobs created in 2023. The automotive repair sub-sector, in particular, has seen tremendous growth, driven by a rising number of vehicles on Kenyan roads.

By directly engaging with these skilled artisans, Vivo Energy's initiative can be interpreted as a corporate strategy to foster brand loyalty and strengthen its distribution network from the ground up. The mechanics are often the primary advisors to vehicle owners on lubricant choices, making their endorsement a powerful marketing tool. This event serves as both a corporate social responsibility (CSR) activity and a targeted stakeholder engagement effort.

Fostering Competition and Community

The competitive events were a central feature of the day. The darts tournament saw Simon Maina Nderitu emerge victorious after four rounds, setting a new benchmark for the event. In the 8-ball pool competition, which attracted 14 participants, John Mbugua and Philemon Otiti showcased exceptional skill to share the top prize.

While specific details on the other competitions were not fully provided, the emphasis on family participation highlights the initiative's goal of creating a holistic wellness experience that extends beyond the workshop. This approach aims to build a deeper, more personal connection with the mechanics who are crucial to the Shell Lubricants ecosystem.

As the inaugural event, its success could set a precedent for similar corporate initiatives in Kenya, signaling a growing appreciation for the economic contribution and influence of the Jua Kali sector. It represents a shift towards recognizing and rewarding the skilled labour that keeps Kenya's transport and logistics sectors moving.