The oil and gas industry in Kenya is one of the most important sectors driving the country’s economy. With both multinational corporations and strong local companies competing for market share, this industry ensures that petroleum products—from fuel to lubricants—are readily available to households, businesses, and industries across the country.
In recent years, Kenya has also been positioning itself as a potential oil producer, thanks to discoveries in Turkana’s Lokichar Basin and new government incentives designed to attract global investors. At the same time, downstream players remain the backbone of the market, handling importation, storage, distribution, and retail marketing of petroleum products.
This guide highlights the Top 15 Oil and Gas Companies in Kenya, breaking down their operations, market presence, and impact on the sector. Whether you are a consumer seeking reliable fuel providers, an investor looking for opportunities, or simply curious about Kenya’s energy landscape, this article provides everything you need to know.
Quick List: Top Oil and Gas Companies in Kenya
For quick reference, here are the leading oil and gas companies operating in Kenya:
- Vivo Energy Kenya (Shell)
- Rubis Energy Kenya
- TotalEnergies Marketing Kenya
- Ola Energy Kenya
- Be Energy Limited
- Hass Petroleum Kenya
- Galana Energies Limited
- Stabex International
- Lake Oil Limited
- Petro Oil Kenya
- Tosha Petroleum
- Dalbit Petroleum
- Oryx Energies Kenya
- Towba Petroleum
- National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK)
Now, let’s look at each of these companies in more detail.
1. Vivo Energy Kenya (Shell)
Vivo Energy is the market leader in Kenya’s petroleum industry, operating the globally recognized Shell brand. The company manages one of the country’s largest networks of service stations, offering fuel, lubricants, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Vivo Energy’s dominance comes from its wide retail footprint, strong customer trust, and continued investment in modern facilities. It serves retail, commercial, and aviation clients, making it the most visible oil marketing company in Kenya.
2. Rubis Energy Kenya
Rubis Energy, a French multinational, has quickly risen to the top through bold acquisitions. By purchasing KenolKobil and Gulf Energy Holdings, Rubis gained an extensive network of over 200 service stations across Kenya. The company is highly active in the distribution of fuels, LPG, and lubricants, directly challenging Vivo Energy’s leadership. Rubis has also invested in customer-friendly initiatives, including modern convenience stores at its fuel stations.
3. TotalEnergies Marketing Kenya
Operating in Kenya since 1955, TotalEnergies is one of the oldest oil and gas companies in the country. The company is fully integrated into the downstream sector, handling everything from fuel importation to retail distribution. With a strong presence in aviation fuel, commercial supply, and retail fuel stations, TotalEnergies is known for its reliability and innovative services. Its loyalty programs and branded convenience stores add value to the customer experience.
4. Ola Energy Kenya
Formerly Libya Oil, Ola Energy maintains a solid market presence in Kenya. It operates numerous fuel stations and supplies a wide range of petroleum products, including petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel. Ola Energy focuses on building long-term customer relationships and remains a trusted supplier for industries, logistics companies, and the transport sector.
5. Be Energy Limited
Be Energy may be relatively new compared to the industry giants, but it has earned a place among Kenya’s top oil marketers. The company’s strategy is centered on competitive pricing and efficiency, allowing it to steadily grow its market share. With a network of service stations and bulk supply operations, Be Energy continues to strengthen its position in Kenya’s petroleum sector.
6. Hass Petroleum Kenya
A proudly Kenyan-owned company, Hass Petroleum has expanded beyond Kenya to several African countries. The company distributes petroleum products and LPG, with a growing network of service stations. Hass Petroleum has built its reputation on reliable supply and strong customer service, making it a key player in both retail and bulk fuel supply.
7. Galana Energies Limited
Galana Energies plays a critical role in Kenya’s petroleum logistics and wholesale supply chain. It focuses on the importation and bulk distribution of fuels to industries, transport companies, and other oil marketing firms. Galana’s efficiency and infrastructure capacity make it a vital link in the country’s energy security.
8. Stabex International
Stabex International is a regional player with growing influence in Kenya. The company operates service stations and is also active in bulk fuel supply. Stabex has earned recognition for its reliable services and continuous expansion into new Kenyan markets, particularly in underserved regions.
9. Lake Oil Limited
Part of a larger East African conglomerate, Lake Oil Limited has been steadily growing its footprint in Kenya. It deals in the importation, storage, and distribution of fuels and lubricants, contributing to regional trade integration. Its presence strengthens competition in Kenya’s downstream market.
10. Petro Oil Kenya
Petro Oil is a well-established local company with a loyal customer base. It operates retail service stations and supplies bulk fuels to commercial clients. Petro Oil’s focus on consistent quality and efficiency has allowed it to maintain a stable share in Kenya’s competitive market.
11. Tosha Petroleum
Known for its strong presence in rural and upcountry areas, Tosha Petroleum caters to customers who often lack easy access to larger fuel stations. Tosha’s localized approach has earned it a loyal following, and it continues to play an important role in expanding fuel access beyond major cities.
12. Dalbit Petroleum
Dalbit specializes in supplying petroleum products to large-scale industries such as mining, power generation, and commercial operations. Its logistical expertise enables it to reach even remote areas, making it a dependable supplier for demanding clients. Dalbit’s strong focus on infrastructure and delivery efficiency gives it a competitive advantage.
13. Oryx Energies Kenya
Oryx Energies, part of an international group, is a growing player in Kenya’s petroleum market. It distributes fuels and LPG to both retail and commercial customers. With a reputation for reliable services, Oryx continues to expand its presence in the East African region.
14. Towba Petroleum
While smaller than some of its competitors, Towba Petroleum is a crucial local company that adds diversity to Kenya’s oil and gas market. Its operations contribute to supply stability and market competitiveness, particularly in select regions of the country.
15. National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK)
The National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK) is a state-owned enterprise with a dual role: commercial operations and safeguarding national energy security. Unlike most competitors, NOCK operates in both the downstream and upstream sectors. It also manages Kenya’s strategic fuel reserves and plays a stabilizing role in pricing. NOCK’s unique position makes it an essential part of the country’s energy infrastructure.
Beyond the Pump: Exploration and Upstream Companies
While the downstream sector is the most visible to consumers, Kenya’s upstream oil exploration holds the greatest long-term potential. The most significant discovery has been in the Lokichar Basin, Turkana County, led by Tullow Oil PLC in partnership with Africa Oil Corp and TotalEnergies.
Although commercial production has not yet begun, these discoveries could transform Kenya into an oil-producing country. Infrastructure projects such as the Lamu-Lokichar pipeline and expansion of Lamu Port highlight the government’s commitment to turning exploration into production.
The Future of Kenya’s Oil and Gas Industry
Kenya’s oil and gas industry is entering a new phase of development, shaped by three key trends:
- Rising Competition – Consolidation, acquisitions, and new market entrants continue to make the sector more competitive, improving prices and services.
- Potential for Upstream Growth – Oil discoveries in Turkana signal that Kenya could soon become a producer, reducing reliance on imports.
- Government Support – Through policies, tax incentives, and regulation by bodies such as the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), the government aims to ensure energy security and attract foreign investment.
These trends point toward a more dynamic, diversified, and investor-friendly petroleum market in the years ahead.
Summary and Key Takeaways
The oil and gas companies in Kenya form the backbone of the country’s energy sector. Market leaders like Vivo Energy, Rubis Energy, and TotalEnergies dominate distribution, while strong local firms such as Hass Petroleum, Galana Energies, and Stabex International ensure competition and supply reliability.
Upstream exploration led by Tullow Oil and Africa Oil Corp brings hope for future oil production, supported by government incentives and infrastructure development.
Just like the oil and gas companies in Nigeria, Kenya’s oil and gas industry is highly competitive, strategically important, and poised for growth making it a sector to watch for both consumers and investors.
