-Oyatsi has been a lawyer for over 40 years and is the Deputy Group Chair of NCBA where he has 21.7 million shares valued at around Ksh 1.8 billion.

Desterio Oyatsi is a man who has built his empire through the sharp knitting of legal and business acumen.

Legal Career 

Oyatsi studied law at Oxford University then proceeded to Kenya School of Law for his postgraduate diploma. For over four decades, he has served as an advocate of the high court, and is a managing partner at Shapley Barret & Co. Advocates. It is among the oldest law firms in Kenya.

Oyatsi represented former President Uhuru Kenyatta at the Hague. When serving as the Deputy Prime Minister, Uhuru also tasked Oyatsi with suing the Star Newspaper for alleged defamation.

Mining, Banking & Hospitality interests

Oyatsi has accumulated his wealth through lucrative corporate interests.

Between 1998 and 2002, he served as the director for the Capital Markets Authority where he was tasked with laying the regulatory framework. At the same time, he worked as the director for Telkom Kenya and a commissioner for Kenya Law Reform Commission.

He also served in the Kenol Kobil board and worked as the chairman of the Commercial Bank of Africa between 2012 and 2020.

Currently, Oyatsi chairs the Base Titanium Limited, the country’s largest mining project. He was pivotal in initial negotiations and resettlement that paved way for the project. This underscored his skills in community interests’ advocacy in such sensitive projects where deadly disputes have previously prevented implementation of such ventures.

Oyatsi plays a leading role at Musiara Limited, part of Wilderness Holdings, which manages high-end safari properties.

As a man who wears many hats, he serves as the Deputy Group Chair of NCBA where he has 21.7 million shares valued at around Ksh 1.8 billion.

Kenya’s online gambling market has expanded far beyond sports betting. While football wagering remains dominant, online casino games have carved out a significant space—offering variety that traditional betting shops never could.

From crash games like Aviator to classic table games and progressive jackpots, Kenyan players now have access to entertainment options that were previously available only in physical casinos. This guide explains how online casinos work, what games are popular, and how to navigate this landscape safely.

Casino games interface (slots/roulette)

What Is an Online Casino?

An online casino is a digital platform where you can play gambling games for real money. Modern platforms like Bangbet combine casino games with sports betting, creating comprehensive entertainment hubs accessible from your smartphone.

How Online Casinos Function

Account creation: Register with basic details. Most platforms require phone number verification; some require ID verification before withdrawals.

Deposits: Fund your account via M-Pesa, Airtel Money, or bank transfer. M-Pesa dominates Kenyan transactions.

Game selection: Choose from slots, table games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat), live dealer games, crash games, or sports betting.

Withdrawals: Request payouts to your M-Pesa or bank account. Processing times vary by platform—from instant to 24 hours.

What Casino Games Are Most Popular in Kenya?

Kenyan players enjoy diverse options. Using M-Pesa deposits, you can access everything from traditional casino games to the latest crash games:

Crash Games (Aviator)

The fastest-growing category in Kenya. Aviator’s simple mechanics—a multiplier rises until it crashes, and you must cash out before—have made it extremely popular. Rounds last about 30 seconds, appealing to players seeking instant results.

Online Slots

Thousands of titles with varying themes and features. Slots range from simple 3-reel classics to complex video slots with bonus rounds, free spins, and progressive jackpots. House edges typically run 4-8%.

Table Games

Live Casino

Real dealers streamed from professional studios offer blackjack, roulette, baccarat, and game shows. The immersive experience appeals to players seeking the atmosphere of physical casinos from home.

Online casino games interface

How Online Casino Payouts Work

Understanding payment processes prevents frustration. To find out more about specific platform features, always check their terms. Here’s what to generally expect:

Deposits in Kenya

M-Pesa: Instant processing, most widely used. Airtel Money: Instant on most platforms. Bank Transfer: 1-3 business days, better for large amounts

Withdrawal Process

Step 1: Request withdrawal through the platform’s cashier section

Step 2: Platform reviews request (first withdrawals may require ID verification)

Step 3: Funds sent to M-Pesa or bank account

Timeline: 5 minutes to 24 hours for M-Pesa (varies significantly between platforms)

How to Choose a Safe Online Casino in Kenya

Before you start playing, see what Kenyan bettors prefer and evaluate platforms based on these criteria:

Licensing: The Foundation

Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) regulates gambling. Licensed operators must meet standards for game fairness, financial security, and responsible gambling. Always verify licensing before depositing.

Platform Checklist

Cards and chips on the table

Is Online Casino Legal in Kenya?

Online gambling is legal in Kenya when offered by BCLB-licensed operators. Platforms like bangbet.com/ke-m operate under this regulatory framework, providing consumer protections.

Legal requirements:• You must be 18 or older to gamble in Kenya• Only use BCLB-licensed platforms• Licensed operators must offer responsible gambling tools• Unlicensed platforms offer no legal protection

Responsible Gambling

Set a budget before playing and stick to it. Use platform tools like deposit limits and session reminders. Never chase losses—the house edge ensures the casino’s profit over time. Gambling should be entertainment, not income.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an online casino?

An online casino is a digital platform offering gambling games like slots, table games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat), live dealer games, and crash games like Aviator for real money. You deposit via M-Pesa, play games, and can withdraw winnings to your mobile wallet.

Is online casino legal in Kenya?

Yes, online casino is legal when offered by operators licensed by Kenya’s Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). Always verify licensing before depositing. You must be 18 or older to participate legally.

How do online casino payouts work?

Request withdrawals through the platform’s cashier. Funds are sent to your M-Pesa or bank account. Processing times range from instant to 24 hours depending on the platform. First withdrawals typically require identity verification.

What casino games are most popular in Kenya?

The Aviator crash game currently leads in popularity due to quick rounds. Sports betting (especially Premier League and KPL) remains dominant overall. Slots offer variety, while blackjack and baccarat attract players seeking better mathematical odds.

How do I choose a safe online casino in Kenya?

Verify BCLB licensing, confirm M-Pesa integration works smoothly, check withdrawal speeds through user reviews, ensure games come from reputable providers, and test customer support responsiveness before depositing significant amounts.

Making Informed Choices

Kenya’s online casino market offers genuine entertainment options, but not all platforms deliver equally. The differences in withdrawal speed, game fairness, and customer service significantly impact your experience.

Whether you choose Bangbet Kenya or any other BCLB-licensed operator, approach online gambling as entertainment with a budget. Understand the house edge, set strict limits, and never risk more than you can afford to lose. That foundation ensures gambling remains enjoyable.

About This Guide

This guide explains online casino gaming for Kenyan players. Gambling involves the risk of financial loss. Always play responsibly, only with BCLB-licensed operators, and never wager more than you can afford to lose. You must be 18+ to gamble in Kenya.

In addition to whownskenya.com coverage of business ownership and market insights in the betting industry in Kenya, this article analyzes emerging phenomena.

Rapid Expansion of Online Betting
Online betting in Kenya is fast becoming a reality. Mobile driven engagement has led to a significant market potential. Betting has become a norm for the adult population and over 70%. This is driven by the availability of affordable data and easy to use betting applications. This is a global trend driven by a passion for football and the economic situation of the country.

• Predictions for 2025 are record engagement, a 25% improvement year on year.

• Dominating betting sites age 18-35, they are inclined to betting due to a lack of employment.

• Tax collection on betting has largely improved primary infrastructure, however, the betting industry is heavily regulated.

Leading Betting Platforms in Kenya
Whownskenya.com sheds light on the stories of ownership talent of industry leaders, including SportPesa and Betin, and foreign investors across the study of the Kenyan coast. Local betting firms focus on employing Kenyans and offering betting products designed for the Kenyan market, which builds loyalty. The novelty of live betting serves to retain customer interest.

• SportPesa: Heralds the introduction of mega jack pots, it is currently a household betting brand.

• Betin: Offers a wide variety of sporting activities beyond football, including virtual sports.

• New entrants in the betting business are seeking to combine sports betting with casino betting for 24/7 betting opportunities.

Insights from Whownskenya
Whownskenya.com has uncovered ownership with the Philippine Dafabet founders, with coast investors of Betin being anonymous. In Whownskenya, Poor Transparency Enforcement of the BCLB thin line is the bet between regulation and the excess of it. Whownskenya discloses the previously inaccessible betting sector worth billions of shillings.

• Dabet integrated its services in Kenya in 2017, shortly after its establishment in 2004.

• Betin’s affiliate programs empower bloggers to monetize their traffic.

• Diverse ownership includes EPL sponsorships as trust builders.

The Betting Control and Licensing Board applies strict licensing to curb tax evasion. With current licensing renewals, the requirement to operate in-country is meant to shield users from the hazards of off-shore betting. Reasonable regulations will sustain industry growth while preventing problem gambling.

• Non-compliant operators suffer severely from the loss of their licenses.

• Responsible gambling measures are now required by law.

• Tax revenues are over Ksh 20 billion for the last fiscal year.

The Reason Behind Tax Evasion Crackdowns
Firms were forced to implement measures that created market stability after Dafabet was forced to cease operations due to tax evasion of billions of shillings. Bettors now enjoy a more secure environment.

• Starting in 2019, more tax evasion crackdowns began.

• Licensing renewals are now contingent upon compliance with the economic zone.

• These developments benefit honest businesses.

Technological Advancements in Sports Betting
Predictive analytics using artificial intelligence and the blockchain for secure payouts have revolutionized sports betting. Integration of Kenya’s M-Pesa pays the transaction within the required time. Virtual sports have the capability to fill off-season revenue shortfalls.

• Live in-game betting is now available with streaming.

• User data analytics driven by artificial intelligence will improve.

• Mobile design is now optimized for easier access.

The Growth of Virtual Betting in Kenya
Betin is the leading provider of virtually betting on football and horse racing, according to Whownskenya, and this sector is growing 40% annually.

• Matches replay every couple of minutes

• Odds change to keep things realistic

• Attracts casual players who want to win instantly

The Economic Effects of Sports Betting on Kenyan Society

Betting creates jobs in tech and marketing but raises concerns on addiction. Betting companies like OdiBets have community initiatives that focus on education. These initiatives balance the positive effects of sports betting with the associated social problems.

Betting companies:

– Employs thousands in retail and digital roles.

– Funds sports development via levies.
– Awareness campaigns reduce underage betting.

Job Creation within the Sports Betting Industry
Whownskenya.com mentions the growth of the region and the establishment of Kenyan-owned enterprises. There is a variety of roles available from customer service to odds compiling. This growth helps address the unemployment situation.

– More than 5,000 jobs created across the country.

– Youth are upskilled through training initiatives.

– Rural betting shops improve their market penetration.

Responsible Gambling Tools
Betting companies have started to offer players the option to voluntarily exclude themselves and set limits. These companies have partnered with NGOs to provide counseling hotlines. There are educational initiatives that focus on betting for fun and not as a way to make money.

Customers are able to:

– Set spending limits to avoid losing too much.

– Receive notifications during their gaming session to remind them to take a break.

– Read testimonials that describe how people turned their lives around.

Addiction Prevention Techniques
According to industry reports, companies track player behavior patterns. Whownskenya.com describes the owner of the company as an ethical person. This approach illustrates how important life-saving initiatives are.

– Companies using unethical behavioral targeting are offering free counseling via their unsourced hotline.

– School programs deter youth entry.Forecasts for 2026

As Kenyans excel in global leagues, the betting on esports market will continue to grow. The regulation on the integration of crypto into the industry will continue to test and develop. The industry will release bets on esports and create crypto currencies centered around the monetization of esports to create a more sustainable, eco-friendly ‘green’ sport for the world. The focus will be integrated as the world becomes more digital in connection and the focus will be placed further on esports and the world of esports will continue to grow and expand rapidly.

The Rapid Growth of Betting on Esports
The rapid and mobile betting on esports continues to grow.

Streaming
The The marketing of betting streaming will continue to expand, as will the graphics.
The Impact of EPL
The English Premiere League betting on esports continues to expand.

Fighting Illegal Wagering
Recently reported BCLB raids have intensified. Collaborations with telecommunication companies result in the blocking of illegal betting websites. Informed bettors use licensed betting companies.

• Betting companies face fines as a means of discouraging defiance.

• Hotlines for the public to report illegal betting companies are in operation.• Legitimacy of licensed betting companies is ascertained through technology.

This detailed report about betting in Kenya is an indication of the challenges betting companies have to deal with. Using data from whownskenya.com to obtain betting companies’ ownership information is an indication of the betting companies’ commitment to innovation and responsible betting.

Kenya is a key commercial and financial hub in East Africa thanks to its coastal location, with growing domestic energy needs and the ability to service those of its neighbours.

Whereas some of these companies are multi-nationals, quite a number are locally owned and, through astute leadership, continue to compete in what is considered a challenging though lucrative market.

In this article, WoK explores some of the largest oil marketers in Kenya and their ownership.

1. Rubis Energy Kenya

Rubis is the leading petroleum company in Kenya following its acquisition of Kenol Kobil in 2019 in a Ksh36 billion takeover.

Rubis Energy Kenya is 100% owned by Rubis Energie following the full acquisition of both KenolKobil and Gulf Energy Holdings in 2019. Rubis Energie is a subsidiary of the Rubis Group which is listed at the Paris Stock Exchange.

The company is owned by a number of shareholders, both international and local.

According to the company website, as of 2020, 85.74 per cent of Rubis was owned by investors in a free float, Supervisory board (0.13 %) General Partner managers (2.21%), Marcel Dessault (5.45%), Wellington Management Group LLP (5.08%), Rubis Avenir mutual fund (1.32%), and Treasury shares (0.06%).

According to Market Screener, Marcel Dessault has since increased its ownership in the company, reducing the free-float ownership.

2. Total Energies Kenya

TotalEnergies Marketing Kenya is part of TotalEnergies, a broad energy company that produces and markets energies on a global scale: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity.

Active in more than 130 countries, Total Energies is one of the largest oil marketers in the world.

TotalEnergies Marketing Kenya PLC has been operating since 1955 and plays a key role in the Kenyan economy. The Company has a widespread infrastructure for efficient and effective supply of quality products and services.

3. VIvo Energy

Vivo Energy Kenya was established in November 2012, following the acquisition of Kenya’s downstream business from Shell.

Vivo Energy Kenya is a market leader and serves all market segments from retail to commercial customers with a full range of automotive fuels, lubricants, aviation fuels, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and black fuels.

Vivo Energy Kenya operates an extensive retail network. The company has significant bulk oil storage terminals in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Nanyuki; aviation services at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, Wilson Airport, Mombasa International Airport, and Malindi Airport; and a lubricating oil blending plant in Mombasa.

The company is also renowned for its high-impact Community Investment Programmes, aiming to create lasting social and economic benefits in the communities. In Kenya, the national languages are English and Swahili.

4. Ola Energy

Ola Energy is among the largest oil marketers in Kenya and the region, boasting presence in 17 African countries.

Over the years, OLA Energy has become a major player in Africa employing over 1,500 diverse employees, generating an estimate of 20,000 indirect jobs in the countries of operations and visited by up to 250,000 customers per day.

The company has over 1,200 service stations, 8 blending plants over 60 fuel terminals and presence in over 50 Airports across Africa, and continues to expand its reach in the African Continent.

Abozid Swalem is the Executive Chairman of OLA Energy Holdings Limited and OLA Holdings Limited.

5. Oryx Energies Kenya

Oryx Energies Kenya is an affiliate of Swiss-based Eryx Energies South Africa (Oesa) and is among the leading oil marketers in the country.

Oryx Energies has been in Kenya since 2004 (initially as Addax Kenya Ltd), starting as a trading affiliate before becoming an integral part of downstream activities in 2009 to provide seamless and reliable products and services to the market.

Today, Oryx Energies imports, exports and sells locally the full range of white liquid hydrocarbon products (gasoline, jet fuel, gas oils), and participates actively in the Kenyan Bulk Fuel Procurement process, known as the Open Tender System (OTS), coordinated by the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum. It is also present in the local high quality lubricants markets.

6. Gulf Energy

The green-themed Gulf Energy is among the top oil marketing companies in the East African region and has grown to expand into the aviation and power generation sectors.

Incorporated in May 2015, the company has steadily established itself and spread its wings in the region dominated by mega companies. The company has an 8 percent market share in the region, exporting their products to as far as Burundi, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

The company has also established subsidiaries in the neighbouring countries, including Gulf Energy Zambia, Gulf Energy Rwanda, Gulf Energy Uganda, and Horizon Petroleum in Tanzania.

It commands a 30 percent market share in petroleum products supply in the region and plays a leading role in the region’s bulk oil supplies, particularly gasoline.

In December 2019, Rubis Energies acquired Gulf Energy Holdings at a total cost of Ksh16.4 billion. Suleiman Shabal, Francis Koome Njogu, Duncan Kingori Mukira, and Paul Kiprotich Limoh are some of the businessmen that made billions from the sale.

7. Be-Energy Petroleum

The company first entered the Kenyan market as Bakri Energy Ltd before it was rebranded to Be Energy.

A report by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) indicates that the company is the seventh largest oil retailer in Kenya and controls a market share of about 3.1 per cent.

According to Business Registration Service seen by Nation Newsplex, Odinga and his family own 2,801 shares (35 per cent) in Be Energy whereas the Bakri family owns 5,201 shares (65) through their company, International Energy World S.A.

The company exports petrol, diesel, kerosene, jet fuel, and oil lubricants to South Sudan, Uganda, Burundi, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

8. Pan African Petroleum

Pan African Petroleum is among the largest oil marketers in the country,, with an annual turnover reported at over half a billion Kenya shillings.

According to The Citizen, Pan African Petroleum Company is owned by Raila Odinga Jr (25,000 shares), Rosemary Adhiambo Odinga (50,000 shares), Winnie Irmgard Odinga (25,000 shares), Elija Bonyo Oburu (125,000 shares), Wenwa Akinyi Oranga (25,000 shares) and Kango Enterprises (250,000 shares).

9. Hass Petroleum

Hass Petroleum is a privately owned Kenyan oil marketing company offering services such as fuel storage, automated fuel systems, and LPG piped gas systems.

The company was founded in 1996 by two brothers, the late Abdirizak Ali Hassan and Abdinasir Ali Hassan.

In 2017, OQ, formerly known as Oman Trading International (OTI), acquired a 40 per cent stake in Hass Petroleum.

OQ provided additional funding to enhance its market visibility through new distribution assets, specifically service stations, across its key markets in the region.

Hass used the funding for expansions, setting up depots, and competing in an open tender system to win bids to import oil into the country.

Hass Petroleum services include fuel storage, automated fuel systems, and LPG piped gas systems for residential flats and commercial properties.

The company has storage facilities in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, DR Congo, Somalia, Zambia, and South Sudan. The facilities are also available to customers and partner oil marketing companies for lease.

10. Riva Petroleum Dealers

Riva Petroleum Dealers is an established oil marketing company with operations in Kenya and Uganda. The company was registered on 21st June 1996 as a liability company and has grown from a small reseller to a widely-recognized brand in the region.

With its headquarters located at Mayfair Suites in Westlands Nairobi, the company operates a chain of over 25 retail petrol stations across the country under the brand name ‘RIVA.’

The company engages in import, distribution and transportation of crude oil, bitumen, LPG, Fuel oil, industrial diesel oil, automotive diesel, unleaded premium, unleaded regular, jet fuel and kerosene.

The company is currently the largest distributor of Shell lubricants in East Africa dominating the markets of Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan. It participates in the Kenyan Open Tender System (OTS) coordinated by the Ministry of Energy and has depots situated in Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru and Eldoret.

According to an article published by Nation, Riva Petroleum Dealers is fully owned by the family of its founder, Peter Njeru Njagi. Mr. Njeru and his wife Dorcas Waguthi own 80,000 shares each while their children Wangui and Wawira own a collective 40,000 shares.

11. PetroKenya Oil

Petrokenya Oil Company Limited is a leading exporter, importer, and wholesaler of petroleum products and also a liquids logistics provider in the East African region.

It offers transportation and logistics services to all the major oil marketing companies across the region. The company has successfully established its operations in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to reports, retired President Uhuru Kenyatta’s uncle Paul Gatheca Muhoho controls 47 per cent of the company; 45% is owned by a United Arab Emirates-based company, while the remaining 8 per cent is owned by a former chairperson of the Kenya Youth Enterprise.

12. Tosha Petroleum Company

Tosha Petroleum Company was established in 2003 and started off as a reseller of petroleum products and services to the local and regional market.

It became a fully-fledged oil marketing company in 2010 after being licensed by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) to import petroleum products to the local market. On August 25, 2014, the company rebranded to scale up its operation across the promising Eastern Africa market.

The company has grown to become a major oil marketer with a significant presence in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Currently, the company supplies over 120 million litres of petroleum products annually to the East African countries.

The company is owned by renowned Nairobi businessman Abdisarit Khalif Ali.

13. Hashi Energy

Hashi Energy Ltd is among the oldest oil marketing companies in East Africa having started as a kerosene distributor for Chevron Kenya.

The company was initially named Hashi Empex Limited but was later re-registered as Hashi Energy because of the vision of it’s founder Ahmed Hashi.

The company has operations in Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Tanzania, Zambia, Southern Sudan, the United Arab Emirates, Mauritius and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Established in 1920, the company has evolved from a small manufacturer of cork products to a global player in the automotive market, renowned for its distinctive designs and engineering prowess.

Understanding the ownership structure of Mazda is crucial to appreciating its strategic decisions and market positioning.

In this article, WoK delves into the intricacies of Mazda’s ownership, exploring how it influences the company’s direction and future prospects in the competitive automotive sector.

Ownership

Individual investors hold a substantial portion of the company’s shares, accounting for approximately 48%.

The presence of individual investors can provide a level of stability, as they may be more likely to hold onto their shares for the long term compared to institutional investors, who often engage in more active trading.

Institutional investors own about 46% of Mazda’s shares, comprising large entities such as pension funds, insurance companies, and mutual funds that manage substantial amounts of capital.

Among the institutional investors, notable shareholders include BlackRock, which holds approximately 6.8% of Mazda’s shares.

Another key stakeholder is Toyota Motor Corporation, which owns around 5.1% of Mazda.

This relationship is particularly noteworthy as Toyota is not only a competitor but also a strategic partner for Mazda.

The diverse ownership structure has several implications for Mazda.

With no single entity holding a majority stake, decision-making is likely to reflect a broader range of interests and perspectives.

This mix of individual and institutional investors provides both stability and flexibility in corporate governance, enabling Mazda to adapt to market changes while maintaining investor confidence.

Largest shareholders

The Master Trust Bank of Japan, Ltd. (Trust Account) is the largest shareholder, holding approximately 15.4% of the shares, which translates to around 97 million shares valued at about $506 million.

Following closely is Custody Bank of Japan, Ltd. (Trust Account), which owns about 5.9% of the shares, or roughly 37 million shares, with a valuation of approximately $226 million.

Toyota Motor Corporation is another significant stakeholder, owning around 5.1% of Mazda’s shares, amounting to about 31 million shares valued at approximately $172 million.

BlackRock, Inc., one of the largest asset management firms globally, holds about 6.8% of the shares; however, its precise valuation can fluctuate based on market conditions.

Other notable institutional investors include JPMorgan Securities Japan Co., Ltd., which owns about 2.2% of the shares, and State Street Bank West Client with approximately 1.9%.

How much is Mazda worth?

Mazda Motor Corporation’s market capitalization is currently approximately $4.34 billion USD. This valuation reflects a significant decrease of about 35.96% over the past year.

In the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, Mazda reported net sales of ¥4,827.7 billion and an operating income of ¥250.5 billion.

However, the net income attributable to owners of the parent company was ¥207.7 billion, indicating a decrease from the previous year.

Several factors can influence a company’s market capitalization, including stock price fluctuations, company performance, industry trends, and economic conditions.

It’s important to note that market capitalization is a dynamic figure, subject to change based on these and other factors.

Who is the CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation?

Masahiro Moro is the current President and CEO of Mazda Motor Corporation having assumed this role in June 2023, succeeding Akira Marumoto.

Prior to this role, he held several key positions within the company, including Director and Senior Managing Executive Officer, where he oversaw Communication, Corporate Communications, Corporate Liaison, Sustainability, and the Administrative Domain.

Moro’s extensive experience also includes serving as the President and CEO of Mazda North American Operations, where he was responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s operations in the U.S., Mexico, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Throughout his tenure, Moro has been instrumental in shaping Mazda’s global marketing strategies and expanding its presence in key markets.

The oil marketing sector is a lucrative industry that is worth billions of shillings. In Kenya, the industry is largely dominated by multinational companies. However, what might shock many is that these mega corporate companies are subject to one small company that is controlled by a coterie of powerful individuals.

Here is the full story as told by WoK.

Delta Petroleum and Galana Oil

Very little is known about Galana Energies Limited, but by far this company has been controlling the oil industry for the longest time. The company operates the Delta Petrol Stations and ironically, it was not among the top 10 petroleum dealers in 2021.

Delta is owned by Galana Oil which has been winning the Open Tender System (OTS) since 2004 as reported by Nation. The OTS is a procurement system in which individual companies bid to supply all the fuel consumed in the country for a period of one month.

All petroleum dealers in the country are expected to purchase the petroleum products from the winning bidder and then retail it to Kenyans in accordance with the prices regulated by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA).

For example, between April and May when the country suffered fuel shortage, Galana Energies imported 241,868 metric tonnes of super petrol, this was after winning the OTS bid.

A month after, the same company will import 102,072 metric tonnes of petrol and 16.052 metric tonnes of kerosene for consumption in September and all the other petroleum dealers will buy the two products from the Galana Oil.

Owners of Galana Oil

According to details available at the Business Registration Service, Galana Oil was registered on 7th June and is owned by three companies.

They include Tapiola Limited with 1,598 shares, Sai Ram Investment Company with 1,576 shares and Romichi Company with 1,576 shares.

However, the details of the owners and shareholders of both Sai Ram Investment Company and Tapiola Limited aren’t available in the portal and are listed as unverified. For Romichi Company, Businessman Joseph Gitau Mburu is the largest individual shareholder with 490 shares.

Rose Wamuyu Gitau, Wanjiku Gitau and Wairimu Gitau follow closely, each owning 170 shares. Other Galana Oil directors who have a stake in the company include Jonathan Ngige Kahira, George Ngige Kahura, Mary Waithera Kabiru, Sheetal Khanna and Isaac Mukui Nduru.

Other Companies controlling the oil sector

Apart from Galana Oil, Texas Energy and Riva Petroleum Dealers are also the heavyweights when it comes to winning the OTP. 

For example, Texas Energy will import 85,124 metric tonnes of petrol in August as reported by Nation. These two companies attribute their ownership to be 100 percent Kenyan.

Texas Energy was established on November 20th 2014 and has been winning the OTP for over eight years.

Abdi Hakim Ebrahim, who serves as the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO), is the majority shareholder with 22,092 shares.

Other key shareholders include Bomachoge Borabu constituency MP aspirant Nolfasson Obadiah Barongo with 12,098 shares, Nasro Dahir Ahmed with 9,468 shares and his brother Johar Dahir Ahmed with 8,942 shares.

On the other hand, Riva Petroleum dealers was incorporated on 21st June 1996 and is owned by the family of its founder Peter Njeru Njagi. Mr. Njagi and his wife Dorcas Waguthi own 80,000 shares each while their children Wangui and Wawira both own a collective 40,000 shares.

Recently, the company has been hitting headlines for both positive and negative news. For instance, the company’s official financial reports for the year ended June, 2021 indicates that it posted a pretax profit of ksh 8.198 billion.

This was seen as a point in the right direction given the company had posted a pretax loss of ksh 7 billion the previous year. The positive results were attributed to the company’s change of strategy that saw a reduction of operating costs from Ksh47.8 Bn to Ksh39.86 Bn.

Into 2022, the company also began implementing a presidential order to have the cost of power slashed by 30%. This was in a bid to save the common citizens from high costs of living and to ensure an increase in productivity. By 7th January, 2022, the cost of power was reduced by 15% and a further 15% slash is expected to be effected by the end of the first quarter of 2022.

On a negative note, the company was largely blamed for a nationwide blackout that hit Kenya on 11th January, 2022 after the collapse of 4 high voltage transmission pylons in Embakasi, Nairobi. The matter saw various government agencies swing into action on suspicion of sabotage by top officials.

On 26 August 2023, the country was plunged into a power outage lasting for hours. A report from KPLC read in part,

“We have experienced a general system disturbance thereby causing a major outage. Our technical teams are troubleshooting with the aim of restoring supply at the earliest”.

Since president William Ruto assumed power, he has made a number of changes on the leadership of the power distributor.

Kenya Power Board Members 

The following are the board members of the company as retrieved from the official website:-

Joy Brenda Masinde – The 45 year old is the Chairlady, Board of Directors. She holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Nairobi and undertaking a Masters of Arts in Leadership from the International Leadership.

Others board members are, National Treasury & Economic Planning CS Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u.

• Dr. Eng. Joseph Siror Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer
• Mr. Alex Wachira, BSCN Principal Secretary, Ministry of Energy
• Mr. Alex Wachira, BSCN Principal Secretary, Ministry of Energy
• Dr. Duncan Ojwang
• Kairo Thuo
• Mr. Humphrey Muhu Non-Executive Director
• Eng. Benson Mwakina, Alternate Director to the Principal Secretary, Ministry of Energy
• Eng. Albert Mugo
• Logan Christi Hambrick
• Veska Kangogo
• Imelda Bore General Manager, Corporate Affairs & Company Secretary

Major Shareholders. 

The Kenyan government, through the Treasury Ministry is the major shareholder of Kenya Power with over 50.1% of total shares. Other major shareholders are Standard Chartered Bank nominees and The Kenya Commercial Bank.

Influential Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro is the single largest individual shareholder with 32.5 million shares, translating to 1.67 percent stake in the utility, at the end of June 2023 compared with 27.29 million in the same month last year, according to regulatory filings.

Below is a list of the top 20 shareholders adopted from the company’s official report for the financial year ended June, 2021 and updated in 2023.

1). The National Treasury – 978 492 034 shares

2). Standard Chartered Nominees Resd A/C KE 11450- 32 518 589 shares

3). Standard Chartered Nominees Non-Resd A/C KE 11749- 24 076 800 shares

4). Hirani, Naran Khimji & Hirani Virji Khimji – 23 845 264 shares

5). Kenya Commercial Bank – 22 887 288 shares

6). NIC Custodial Services – 21 790 300 shares

7). Varsani Suresh Naran Ratna – 17 221 225 shares

8). Shah Mahendra Kumar Khetshi – 13 958 000 shares

9). Standard Chartered Nominees – 12 513 581 shares

10). Stanbic Nominees – 12 400 226 shares

11). Nyoro, Samson Ndindi – 32.5 million shares

12).  Patel Sumantrai & Patel Ramaben – 10 397 300 shares

13). Standard Chartered Kenya Nominees LTD-8,920,415 shares

14). Stanbic Nominees Limited-8,551,279 shares

15). Ruhari, Nehemia Ikuah-8,000,055 shares

16). Kaleb Investments Limited-7,986,700 shares

17). NIC Custodial Services A/C 077-7,196,799 shares

18). Pama, Atul-7,180,100 shares

19). Tapioca Limited-7,112,500

20). Co-op Custody Services Account 7,052,500

It ranks number 27 among Kenya’s 39 banks and had Ksh 22.9 billion in deposits as of June this year. The lender made a Ksh 602 million profit before tax in 2021 and has an asset base of Ksh 26.2 billion. However, Ksh 18.6 billion or 70 percent of the assets are locked in loans meaning that if the panic withdrawals continue and every client withdraws their money, the bank will easily collapse.

In this article, WoK unveils the faces behind the bank who include renowned lawyers Ahmednasir Abdullahi and Abdikadir Mohammed.

Faces Behind First Community Bank

The idea of setting up a Shariah complaint bank was mooted by Senior Counsel Ahmednassir Abdullahi and lawyer Abdikadir Mohamed. As a requirement of setting up a financial institution, they needed to raise at least Ksh 1 billion and so the duo talked to a number of investors who pulled resources together to hit the milestone. FCB is currently made up of 29 shareholders. They include the former Chase Bank boss Zafrullah Khan who owns 135,059 shares equating to a 2.7 percent stake making him the sixth largest shareholder according to the documents from the Business Registration Service seen by Daily Nation.

The largest Shareholder is Hussein Ali Salad through his company Opportunity Logistics Services Limited which owns 811,000 shares equating to a 16.5 percent stake.  Ameir Munif Abdallah Nadhi and Said Edha Abdallah Nadhi are the joint second largest shareholders each having 805,000 shares. Senior Counsel Ahmednassir Abdullahi owns 325,614 shares while lawyer Abdikadir Mohamed owns 75,000 shares. Mohammed Hassan Ebrahim Varvani who serves as the board chairman owns 153,827 shares.

Other shareholders

The documents also listed other shareholders including Abbabakhar Mohammed Abba with 95,000 shares, Omar Shariff Mohammed-62,500 shares, Ifyet Mohammed Hassan Varvani -89,733 shares, Yasin Jama Ismail-37,500 shares, Yusuf Abdi Adan-35,625, Mansoor Mohamed Hassan-89,733, Yasmin Mohammed Hassanali-89,733, Ali Yasin Farah-186,259, Bishar Abdirahman Hussein-30,000, Yusuf Ali Juma-186,259, Yusuf Ahmed Dahir-186,260, Mohamed Nasir Abdi-26,250 and Dahir Ismael-186,259.

Other shareholders are Shaffi Mohammed Hussein Bacheleni-25,000 shares, Abdulatif Esajee Kaderbhai-35,893 shares, Hassanali Kamal Mithwani-35,895 shares, Ibrahim Haji Warfa-63,829 shares, Amina Mohamed-89,733 shares, Harunani Suleiman Abdulshakur -73,808 shares, Ahmed Mohamed Bachelani -25,000 and Abdulhamid Mohamed Aboo- 107,681 shares.

Faida is among the leading investment banks in Kenya and is dedicated to providing their clients with opportunities to generate wealth.

The financial entity offers a number of services including market research, managed futures, and advisory, among others.

Faida Investment Bank Limited (“Faida”) was licensed by the Capital Markets Authority (CMA) to operate as a stocks and securities broker in 1995. After a decade of steady rise in the finance industry, Faida was converted into a full-fledged Investment Bank in December 2007.

Dennis Waweru

Waweru is a Partner and Director of Faida Investment Bank. He holds an MBA in Strategic Management from Moi University and a Bachelor of Commerce Degree from the same institution. He has over twenty-two years of experience as an investment Banker.

He is currently the Chairman of the Kenya Investment Authority (KenInvest). He served as the Member of Parliament for Dagoretti South Constituency at The National Assembly from April 2013 to August 2017.

The former MP boasts expertise in portfolio construction and management, business and strategic planning, transaction structuring, securities dealing, bond valuation and trading, sales and marketing strategy formulation.

As a professional investment banker Dennis has been instrumental in various industry developments and previously served as the Vice Chairman of the Kenya Association of Investment Banks and Stock Brokers (KASIB).

Waweru has played an important role in ensuring the implementation of various Exchange initiatives that have sustainably grown the Stock Market.

In this article, WoK goes down memory lane to bring you the story of the three touts who founded Umoinner Sacco.

Umoinner Sacco journey

Umoinner Sacco was established by Benjamin Kamau, Christopher Muia and Denis Magwambo. The three friends were slum dwelling matatu touts who earned an average Ksh 400 per day. The three friends came together and would save Ksh 200 per day and after about 10 years of saving diligently, they were able to acquire their first vehicle in 2006, a 14 seater matatu at a cost of Ksh 600,000. They started operating the matatu amidst challenges and opposition from their competitors who wanted to throw them out of the market.

Three years into the business came another major setback that almost shut down their dreams. In 2009, the Ministry of Transport issued a new directive that required all matatu vehicles to be under a Sacco. The Sacco was supposed to have at least 30 matatus in order to gain approval. Umoinner didn’t meet the threshold at the time and had to wait for three more years before meeting the requirements, gaining approval and the rest as they say is history.

Also Read: Double M Buses Owner, Age, Children, Career, Politics And Imminent Collapse

The Success and Leadership team

The company is currently under the leadership of the three founding members; Christopher Muia who serves as the Chairman, Benjamin Kamau who is the Vice Chairman and Denis Magwambo who is the CEO. James Mwangi, the trending businessman known for matching expensive suits and shoes serves as the Manager and Patron of the Sacco.

Today Umoinner is a dominant player having grown from three founding members to over 81 new members. In 2015, kuzabiashara reported that the company operates a fleet of over 100 matatus that mainly operate in Umoja, Kayole, Buruburu and other parts of Eastlands, Nairobi. The online news outlet put the value of Sacco at Ksh500 million as of 2015. The Sacco also owns a football team in Umoja named ‘Umoinner FC’ with the aim of nurturing local talent in the slums of Eastlands. The team participates in the Federation of Kenyan Football (FKF) County league where it is doing exceptionally well.

Bad Publicity

In 2013, Umoinner found itself between a rock and hard place after reported emerged that the Sacco was involved in illuminati. This is after one of their matatus was involved in an accident with a train leaving 12 people dead and others injured.

Umoinner Sacco public relations officer Kevin Jevick denied the allegations stating that the narrative was being perpetuated by their competitors.

“We are a God-fearing group. Personally, I’m saved and I go to Deliverance church and our chairman is a staunch Catholic,” said Jevick.

“Those saying that we belong to Illuminati or any other sect are our competitors and are jealous of our success. We have come from humble beginnings and our growth into a full Sacco has not gone down well with our competitors.”