This essay explores the background of five individuals who are prominent in the gas industry in Kenya, as well as their respective gas businesses.
Muhammed Jaffer is the founder of Africa Gas and Oil (AGOL), which owns Proto Energy Limited and sells Pro Gas. The company has branches across the country and has since grown to a KSh 16.3 billion conglomerate. According to Forbes, the 74-year-old also invested $35 million (KSh 4 billion) in MJ Group, which handles cargo services at Mombasa port.
Hashi owns Hashi Energy Limited, previously known as Hashi Empex Limited, and has been in the Kenyan market for over three decades. The company began business as a kerosene distributor for Chevron Kenya and supplied the commodity to consumers across East Africa. It later ventured into the gas business through the Hashi gas brand and has built a petroleum empire worth over $50 million (KSh 5.8 billion), according to How we made it in Africa.
President William Ruto owns Kitengela Gas, which was listed among properties and businesses he allegedly owns and is protected by state security agents. Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang’i claimed in parliament that the company was allocated six police officers to provide round-the-clock security.
ODM leader Raila Odinga revealed in December 2021 that he sold a German car he once owned to raise KSh 12,000, which he used to start the East Africa Spectre, a private company in Kenya that supplies gas cylinders to oil companies. The former prime minister acquired machines from an Indian entrepreneur who was operating in Jinja, Uganda but had carted his machines to Kenya after being chased away by the Iddi Amin’s regime. He set base in Industrial Area as the business expanded and started manufacturing the gas cylinders after retooling samples from Agip.
Peter Macharia Kariuki is the owner of the Jamii Gas brand, which is headquartered in Nairobi and supplies gas across the country, according to Inooro TV.
In summary, these five individuals have made significant contributions to the gas industry in Kenya through their respective gas businesses.
