KENYA’S FUEL INDUSTRY
“Quality and service are what we focus on, and I believe it has enabled us to create our own market niche”
Kenya’s petroleum sector is broadly divided into three segments namely: upstream (exploration and production), mid-stream (storage, refining and transportation) and downstream (supply and distribution). Upstream activities are nascent compared to some other African nations, although the first oil well drilled in Kenya was all the way back in 1960. Since then approximately 30 more wells have been drilled with no commercially significant discoveries. However, the
2012 discoveries mentioned by Mwangi in the north of the country are sizable, and Kenya is now considered as a serious potential oil producer.
Indeed, the company’s comprehensive offering at each of its filling stations also helps to differentiate from competitors.
Beyond selling fuel, Astrol offers car washing, engine checks, vehicle servicing and food and drink retail, while its branded truck fleet transports fuels to customers who require it for various needs, solutions which combine to fulfil the organisation’s mission ‘to give all customers satisfaction in all their vehicle needs’.
The fuel itself is also subject to as much scrutiny as the array of additional services. Once purchased, it is checked by the firm’s experts to ensure it meets the highest standards, ensuring all clients receive value for money.
Another trait inherited by Mwangi junior is a hands-on approach to leadership, key to the provision of a standout experience for customers.
“Quality and service are what we focus on, and I believe it has enabled us to create our own market niche,” he adds. “We are surrounded by multinationals in our market in Nairobi and have emerged as a true indigenous contender because of this focus.
“I am personally very involved in the business. I like to know what is going on, and if a customer complains I am very keen to hear them in person and act accordingly.”
Empowerment
This approach has enabled Astrol to continue its expansion programme around the capital city.
Mwangi outlines plans to open one or two new stations each year, including an imminent opening in a town 30 kilometres outside of Nairobi, a project scheduled for completion by the end of 2019. Once this core market has been developed, the MD plans to explore the remaining 40 percent which covers the rest of the country.
This growth will also lead to an increased headcount in terms of staff, the company currently employing around 400 people across its network of stations and truck fleet.
For Mwangi, the empowerment of Kenyans through provision of a livelihood is what motivates him to run and grow the business.
“What inspires me is the impact our employment has on the lives of people,” he reveals. “There are many examples of working up through the ranks, for instance a pump attendant moves on to supervisor and then on to an assistant manager.
“I see people earning for their children, and this for me is our greatest achievement – being able to support hundreds of Kenyan families. We are giving back to the community and are determined to succeed so we can give back even more.”
This people-driven mantra can also be applied to Astrol Petroleum’s wider corporate social responsibility programme.
Mwangi reveals several other ways in which the company contributes to the wider community, including providing financial support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and supporting the development and renovation of crucial facilities such as schools and churches.
This is all made possible by a successful, well-managed enterprise, and given Mwangi’s optimistic outlook for his company and the wider industry, Kenya’s petroleum sector looks set to positively contribute to society for many decades to come. Astrol Petroleum
Tel: +254 743945576 info@astrolpetroleum.com www.astrolpetroleum.com